Yes, God loves you!
I started writing a gratitude journal over my holiday break. Through my writings, God began to minister to me about His love for me. This was an unexpected by-product of expressing my gratitude to the Lord. As I opened my heart to Him, He quickly shared His heart with me. I was blown away. I sat there amazed at God’s response to my gratitude and appreciation for Him.
After this incredible experience, I began to meditate on this scripture in particular. But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV.
Reflecting on my salvation experience, I realized I had focused too much on my shortcomings and failings and not enough on the God who loved me even when I was a sinner. A sinner living for myself and doing what I pleased, not considering how I was hurting God.
I am extremely grateful for this new mindset and understanding of God’s love for me. Seeing myself the way He sees me, a soul worth dying for and greatly loved. This new revelation brought this scripture to mind. I am paraphrasing, So let this same mind be in you that is in Christ Jesus. He humbled himself and became a servant to all. Philippians 2:5-11
Instead of making New Year’s resolutions that are self-centered, resolve to live a Christ-centered life. Submit your life to Jesus and become a servant to all. As you head back to class and begin to become overwhelmed with your class schedule, money, and other responsibilities. Remember, Jesus loves you and He cares for you.
In gratitude to the Lord, sing with me a few verses from a very famous hymn. Sing unto the Lord Jesus with all your heart:
“When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow so I know He watches me.”
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
Written by: Civilla Durfee Martin
Composed by: Charles H. Gabriel
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