Nothing Can Separate us from God's Love

Is it any surprise I have “dove” windchimes? This morning we have a balmy southerly wind where I live. It’s overcast, but 64 degrees. And my dove windchimes are raising a chorus of sound.

Reminds me. No matter our circumstances or disappointments, as Jesus’ bride, we can enjoy Him, find solace in Him, find strength and peace in Him and praise Him. (not necessarily in that order *grin*)

He is the Lover of my soul, and that does not change. No matter what’s happening, good or bad. He doesn’t pull back on hard days and draw near on tough days. In fact, God is near to the brokenhearted.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, NLT)

Be encouraged to draw near to Jesus today, whatever you’re facing. He is near to you, His dove, His beloved one.

Let the song of the dove rise from your heart to His ear.

Our Time Together

I awake, remembering Jesus is near. “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (see Psalm 118:24) "My thoughts of Him shall be sweet." (see Psalm 104:34, MKJV) He is so faithful and good to me, to my family.

When I awaken my preschooler, she stretches her arms to me for a hug before her eyes are even open. So sweet that tender embrace. I feel completely loved.

Afternoons, my pup sleeps on my lap while I write. I look forward to these times of helping him get comfortable and snooze blissfully.

I think Jesus looks forward to my reaching out to Him, too. During specific times, sure—morning devotionals. Evening quiet times. But I think any moment during the day when I turn to Him in my spirit and listen and pray or sing. It’s a time of sweet sharing. Of loving exchange.

A time we both look forward to. How amazing that God longs to be with me, with you. That He longs for us and gives us a longing for Him. I pray for grace to never take that for granted. I want to "call upon the Lord when He is near" and "delight myself in His beauty." (see Isaiah 55:6 and Psalm 27:4)

The Song of the Dove

There it is again. The gentle call of a dove who has nested high in the trees outside my office window. I hear her song daily now. Co-coooo. Co-coooo. The peaceful sound of a contented bird.

A couple weeks ago, during a rainy, stormy March day, this dove and her mate created their family. Now she coos sweetly to God who is meeting her needs.

Jesus spoke of God meeting our needs. He first described how God meets the needs of sparrows. My pastor calls this Sparrow Faith. It’s a law of the kingdom. God will meet our needs. His faithful and cannot deny Himself. (see 2 Timothy 2:13)

Look at how Eugene Peterson put it in the Message Bible:

"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds." (Matthew 6:25, MSG)

We can be “careless in the care of God.” I take that to mean careful, but you get the meaning. Relaxed in your soul as God works in your life. Trusting. At ease. Peaceful.

Believers are considered His doves:

“Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove’s eyes.” (Song of Solomon 1:15)

So, when I sing, or speak, or pray, God hears my voice as His dove. He’s tuned to my call. Like when I perk up at the cooing sound outside my window, God perks up. “Oh, there she is. I love that sound. Let me hear more of it.” The same is true of all believers.

“O my dove, in the clefts of the rock,
In the secret places of the cliff,
Let me see your face,
Let me hear your voice;
For your voice is sweet,
And your face is lovely.” (Song of Solomon 2:14)

And when I have a need, I know God hears. His heart is warmed with the sound. He will help.

That’s His promise to His dove.

Passionate God

Traditionally, the idea of the Christ’s passion is His suffering at Calvary. In modern terminology we don’t think of passion in terms of pain, generally speaking. But I like this phrase because I believe Jesus’ sacrifice truly showed His passionate heart.

He would do anything for His bride.

~ He is the vehicle God used to create all of the universe. He is the Word.

~ Jesus holds everything together by the Word of His power.

~ He came to redeem creation, to buy back people from the enemy.

~ He suffered in order to redeem us.

Honestly, I can’t camp on His agony very long. I’m extremely sensitive. But God tenderly reveals pieces of the crucifixion at a deeper level, and I’m awed. I’m undone. We share beautiful communion around His sacrifice.

As we continue through this Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Resurrection Sunday, consider Jesus’ sacrifice as the evidence of His passionate love for you as His bride.

He would do anything for you.

He has.