I Am Deeply Loved

Affirmations 2023 | Your Identity in Jesus Christ | Full Armor of God

Featured image credit: mohamed_hassan on Pixabay.com

Select this link for the list of all the affirmations and links to each post.

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Lies from the Enemy

Sometimes, when I study the topic of God’s overwhelming love for His children, I struggle and experience a flood of lies from our adversary as well as lies from myself.

One morning this past week, I read a devotional on God’s amazing love for us. The attacks began. Both the enemy’s lies and my own weak thoughts fought to cause doubt and negate God’s message. Honestly, I think I’ve absorbed so many of the adversary’s lies over the years that they’re now a part of my thoughts. The evil ones don’t have to work hard anymore because I can be my own worst enemy. 

I grew very angry that the same old, tired battle had raised it’s ugly head again. Does God really love you? Why do you think you’re worthy of God’s love? No, God doesn’t love you. 

All stupid, stupid lies! I’ve heard them so many times over the decades I cried out that morning, Enough! I’m not going to fight this anymore. It’s a waste of my time.

In my anger and frustration, I said to the Lord: “I’m going to tell the enemy to ‘eff off’.”

“No you won’t. You’ll ignore him.”

I sat in silence and peace. The “screaming” in my head had stopped.

The Lord’s response was calm, quiet, and left no doubt on how I was to respond. My obedience was not in question. He told me what to do and He expected me to follow through.

I sat there for several minutes and let the words sink in.

“No you won’t. You’ll ignore him.”

God’s Truth about Him, about You

That’s what we’re to do, dear friends, ignore the lies. Don’t give the lies power by spending any time on them. Focus on what God says in His word (Jeremiah 31:3, LEB):

3 From afar Yahweh appeared to me, saying,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love.
    Therefore I have drawn you with loyal love.

“I am deeply loved by God.”

This affirmation I rephrased from Louie Giglio’s book “Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table”, a study of Psalm 23. In his book, Giglio wrote that the enemy’s lie is “I am unlovable to God and others.” Giglio reminds his readers that the truth from God’s word is “God loves me with an everlasting love.”

Everlasting means it never ends. It never quits.

With that in mind, let’s look at Psalm 23 (ESV):

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

God’s everlasting love for you means that He:

• Guides you, always

• Provides for your needs

• Gives you rest

• Restores your soul

• Walks ahead of you to help you stay on the right path in life (so, follow Him)

• Is always with you in dark times, times filled with evil and death

• Protects you and gives you His courage (because you will walk through the valley of dark times; there is an ending, you’re not stuck in that valley)

• Blesses you generously with His presence

All the above is true for you no matter what. Even if your life grows darker and darker due to, let’s say, a medical diagnosis that’s terminal, there’s no cure… or, due to a political situation in your country where, any day, you will be killed because you love Jesus.

God’s love for you never changes.

It’s everlasting.

The Lord doesn’t hide the truth from us: life on this planet can be, and often is, hard. Spiritual entities and humans have rebelled against God so we live in a fallen, sin-filled world. God just asks you to keep the faith, to endure, to stand firm, to rely on the Holy Spirit who lives in you, your Comforter, your Counselor.

One day, you will receive His ultimate promise: Eternal life in His glorious presence and a role in His coming Kingdom in which we’ll be doing things we can’t even imagine, including judging angels.

Wow.

“I am deeply loved.”

Your Take Away

This image comes from a fellow believer’s post in an online Christian forum. These ancient Roman nails in this box are from five-to-fifteen inches in length. 

Ancient Roman Nails: Getty Museum blog post

Imagine the nails that were hammered into Christ’s hands (wrists) and feet (ankles). 

Imagine His love for you as He hung on the cross.

Take time this week to meditate on Christ Jesus’ redeeming work on the cross for you, and the power of His resurrection from the dead which the Father makes available to you. 

Then, ask yourself:

• What lies from the enemy have you believed about God’s love?

• Which verses in God’s word can you use to fight back against those lies? (Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.)

• When are you going to ignore those lies? (Why not start today!)

If you struggle with believing the truth of God’s amazing love for you, please find a safe and loving person who follows Jesus. Talk with that person about your hesitation, your doubts. 

Dear friend, it’s time to set you free from the enemy’s lives. As Louie Giglio says, “It’s time to take back what the enemy has stolen.”

Soli Deo Gloria!

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Conversation & Community

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