God loves us, and it shows. From the beauty of creation, to eternal life through the gift of the Son, to the companionship that we find in fellowship with one another, God provides evidence of His love all around us. We deserve nothing, but we receive everything.
God demonstrates His love not only through bounty and blessing, but through warning and protection. God did not warn Adam and Eve about the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden so that they could be punished, but to help them avoid the harm that comes from disobedience and separation. When the crafty serpent twisted God’s warnings, though, Eve lost her way and Adam joined right in.
We can enjoy a path of greater blessing if we will simply maintain our focus on God, listen to His words, and accept His protection. Charles Wesley was one of the most prolific hymn writers of all time, outpaced only by Fanny Crosby. The story is told that one day as he was preaching in the fields he was attacked by a group of men who disapproved of his doctrines. He ran for his life and was provided a hiding place beneath a hedge near a stream. He penned the words to Jesus, Lover of My Soul as he sat in hiding, experiencing the protection provided by God. Ponder the loving protection of your Lord as you read the words of the first verse:
Jesus, lover of my soul,
let me to thy bosom fly,
while the nearer waters roll,
while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
till the storm of life is past;
safe into the haven guide;
O receive my soul at last.
Whether you are enjoying God’s bounty, heeding His warnings, or receiving His protections, know that Jesus loves you. He loves your very soul.
Follow the Path!
CARadke
[Use with In Spite of All Warning, day 9 of A Labyrinth Pilgrimage]