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It is an amazing fact that God loves me! “I have loved you with an everlasting love,” He declares, “therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
I’ve paraphrased Isaiah 43:1-4 to read, “Barbara, I have created you and made you the person you are. Don’t fear, because I have redeemed you and called you by your name. You are mine! Whenever you go through overwhelming experiences, or walk amidst fiery trials, I am there with you. You will not be drowned nor consumed. I am able to keep you from getting wet or scorched! Remember, I am God, your Savior. Since you are precious in My sight you have been honored, and I have loved you.” What an affirming statement of my worth! Our God is a personal God so put your name in the scripture.
So many women are seeking for a relationship where they can receive the love they crave. Glenda longed for a compassionate man who would listen to her with his heart. She found herself seeking the company of other men besides her husband. Even though she knew this was wrong, emotionally she needed affirmation and understanding. Eventually Glenda and her husband separated. She was miserable. In the midst of her wrenching emotional pain Glenda cried out to God. With tears flowing down her face she poured out her anger, her hurt, and her longings. In the midst of her pain she finally realized God’s love for her.
As Glenda explained to me, “I grew up reading the Bible, even memorizing scripture. I knew about God and of Jesus' death on the cross for me. Yet I felt like I was a nobody and that God couldn’t possibly love me. How could the God of the universe be interested in little me?” Glenda understood God's love too late to save her marriage, but is finding healing in her growing relationship with Jesus. He is able to meet her deepest heart needs.
Within the pages of the Bible I find these statements. "My God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19. "They that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing." Psalm 34:10. "The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1. In various areas of my life I found these promises to be true, but it took me a long time to realize they applied to my emotional needs.
For years I expected my husband to meet my emotional needs, and while he is a good provider and a wonderful Dad for our kids, romantic ideas and deep talk are not among his capabilities. When I finally realized I needed to look to God to fulfill me, and trusted Him to meet my innermost needs, I became a happier person. As I spent more time with my heavenly Father, reading the Bible and even writing letters to Him, I experienced healing of my emotional wounds.
God will do the same for you. Truly, “God is love.” 1John 4:8. Further He says, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." Heb. 13:5. I can testify that God is faithful, trustworthy, and loving. I have tasted His goodness, been filled with His love, and now my spirit is full of joy and peace.
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