Nougat 13

Recently I was reminded of relationship advice shared with and by me. It says we should ask God to show us a person’s heart if we want to discern where we stand. Of course, it also means we know who we are planning our lives with before we make the official vows. I have found that it actually applies to all kinds of relationships, including our relationship with Jesus. Do you, like me, wish to know God’s heart? Please receive today’s Holy Nougat

“Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭7:9‬ ‭NLT

Our understanding of God’s nature and character must begin with the recognition that ‘God is indeed God.‘ There is no other deity, no other sovereign, no other who is due our worship and adoration. To God belongs the highest praise always and forever. This includes acceptance of God’s Trinitarian nature – Creator, Christ and Comforter – as well as recognizing that as God’s created and chosen, we are loved with an everlasting love.

This love translates into promises (as well as covenants), that God honors above God’s own name. Thus the promise to stay and abide with us is real; even if it feels differently. Hence the psalmist says when we face the most fearsome and loneliest valleys we need not be afraid. For God’s with us ready to protect and secure us all the way (Psalm 23:4). It does not mean we walk around waiting for the next catastrophe so we might jump in like daredevils. No. Certainly not. But when danger does come, we know that God’s presence and promise will prevail.

Does this mean no catastrophic events will impact us? Unfortunately not. But it means that we are not alone in those moments. Just like parents and guardians of our childhood. When we remember our most loving guardian (school teacher, care worker, or church sitter), they might not have been physically present for every single boo boo we suffered; yet we didn’t doubt their love for us. Next time, I pray we remember to call on God’s name.

We are also reminded of God’s lavish love that endures forever. And forever means for all eternity. The assurance is faithful (beyond reciprocated) and gracious (ie forgiving) love that is extended beyond this life for us who love and believe. That promise was sealed, not with a kiss, but with Christ’s Blood on Calvary and his subsequent resurrection. In the fact of Jesus’ resurrection, we each received the earnest (proof of integrity) that God’s truly faithful to keep the promises made to us.

Such is the nature of God’s heart toward us: Ever Faithful; Ever Loving and Ever Compassionate. Tried and proven. Again and again. To others, with others, for others. For us, with us, to us. For ever and beyond. Without fail.

Now that we’ve glimpsed God’s heart, how shall we respond?

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May all we seek be found in Christ