Our Daily Bread May 10
Forever Love / By:Xochitl Dixon And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.
1 John 4:16
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 136:1–9 (NIV):
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights— His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
Years ago, my four-year-old son gave me a framed wooden heart mounted on a metal plate with the word forever painted in its center. “I love you forever, Mommy,” he said.
I thanked him with a hug. “I love you more.”
That priceless gift still assures me of my son’s never-ending love. On tough days, God uses that sweet present to comfort and encourage me as He affirms I’m deeply loved.
The frame also reminds me of the gift of God’s everlasting love, as expressed throughout His Word and confirmed by His Spirit. We can trust God’s unchanging goodness and sing grateful praises that confirm His enduring love, as the psalmist does (Psalm 136:1). We can exalt the Lord as greater than and above all (vv. 2–3), as we reflect on His endless wonders and unlimited understanding (vv. 4–5). The God who loves us forever is the conscious and caring Maker of the heavens and earth, who maintains control of time itself (vv. 6–9).
We can rejoice because the everlasting love the psalmist sang about is the same continuing love our all-powerful Creator and Sustainer pours into the lives of His children today. No matter what we’re facing, the One who made us and remains with us strengthens us by asserting He loves us unconditionally and completely. Thank You, God, for the countless reminders of Your endless and life-transforming love!
Today’s Hynms:
Oh The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
Above the Hills of Time
Scripture to Respond:
Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:“I have loved you with an everlasting love;I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
John 13:1 (NIV)
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
Reflection:
Whether it is the Old Testament Jeremiah facing the ruin of his country or the New Testament Jesus Christ being betrayed, God is telling us that His love for us is never changing no matter what kind of circumstances.
How does His promise help you fully trust His love and strengthen your faith?
Prayer:
Oh God, even in our distress please help us to trust your endless love and make us love You and help those in need with Your love.
Wong Wai Tung (Chief executive officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation) & Sam Chow (Administrative officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation) Translated by Esther Leung
