Day 205

Hosea 10:1-11:11, Romans 8:18-39, Psalm 89:1-8

So often the God of the Old Testament is seen as this judgemental, fire-breathing, city-destroying God rather than a God of love. Chapter 11 though starts off “When Israel was a child, I loved him” and then goes on to God not wanting to destroy Israel – because He loved them. Quite a different picture from some of the other stuff we have been reading. Reminds us that the love part is not just the New Testament side of it.

In the New Testament that love steps up a notch. There is a great deal of comfort in knowing that people are praying for you, but to know that the Holy Spirit is praying for you brings a lot more joy. We also learn that we do not need to have impressive words when we pray, because the Spirit prays with groans that words cannot express. When you can’t pray – groan – God still understands.

The best bit though is reserved for the end, that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Lots of different things are listed but I am sure that we can create an even bigger list. Even if we did have a huge list we can be assured that God’s love is bigger, deeper, wider, higher, stronger …

There have been many times when I have felt so far from God, when spiritual attack or my own uselessness has made me feel as though there is a vast chasm between us. Every time though, God’s love has been just there behind me, ready to encompass me at every turn.

Turn round right now and find yourself embraced in the love of God.