Focus Verse

Jeremiah 31:3 – The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
Today’s verse once again reminds us that the love of God does not depend on us…thank goodness! It depends on Him. He has done all of the hard work. Though we turn our back on Him and try to do things our own way, he still loves us and still desires fellowship with us.

Biblical context

In this passage, Israel is being reminded of the promises of God to rebuild and strengthen them both as a people and a city. Despite how many times Israel turned from the one true God to worship foreign gods, our Lord did not abandon them.
Their desert wanderings remind me of the old hymn Come Thy Fount, in particular these lines:  “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love, here’s my heart Lord, take and seal it, seal it for they courts above”.
 
(If you are not familiar with this song, you should check out Chris Rice’s version here.)
 

Lovingly Pursued

Just like the Israelites, we get lost in our own way, yet God is right there wooing us back. That He would take us back after some of the things we do is astonishing!
He knows our inclinations and He knows our hearts and He redeems us over and over again.
Because He LOVES us – everlasting love our Father has given to us…nothing we can do can separate us from His love. Once you are His…You. Are. HIS!
I am so thankful  to have a God who loves me so well! When I think of His love for me, it helps me remember to love others as well as I can. Is there someone you need to draw back with “lovingkindness” this Valentine’s?
Ammie Senn