God’s love is true and reliable, but sometimes we don’t feel worthy to be loved by God. If you can relate, don’t miss my devotional today, “When God Serenades You.”
Sometimes because of things that happened in our past we think the Lord could never love us. At other times, we let our affection for God grow dim when we experience unexpected troubles or sorrows. These types of experiences can also make us feel as if God has turned His back on us and withheld His love. This is the way I felt after my husband’s death. With fear and trembling, I nervously wondered, “Has God taken His hands off the wheel of my life? Has He left me to spin helplessly out of control?”
Most days were a blur after I returned home from Porter’s funeral. I couldn’t focus on cleaning. I couldn’t even concentrate on my son. Sadness was my only garment. I couldn’t seem to toss if off or exchange it for something lighter and easier to wear. No, the heaviness of my pain and fear were more than I could bear at times. All I thought was, “God, where are you? Don’t you care?”
Perhaps, you’ve felt the same way. We tend to think that once we belong to God we are placed inside a spiritual bubble that protects us from all adversity, worry, and fear. We assume that experiencing peace and happiness show we have a caring Father. But when we experience trials, we question his love. Yet, the truth is this. Even the children of God are not promised a life free from troubles. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:32).
No, God had not taken His hands off the wheel of my life or yours. He is aware of our circumstances and is in complete control. Still, when life suddenly turns stormy and unexpected events occur, we doubt God’s love. Trials and troubles in our lives don’t mean that God doesn’t care. During these times when we feel alone and betrayed, we must not give an ear to Satan’s lies. Instead, we must trust that God is acting in love on our behalf even in dire circumstances. Even though our fears and emotions my lead us to believe otherwise, God, and what He allows into our lives, is always motivated by one thing—love.
Have you ever wondered what’s on the heart of God? Is it world hunger, war, UFO’s, or simply the mind-draining task of running the universe? While these things may be on the mind of God, you and I are the precious treasures that are on His heart. Before we were born, God knew all about us. He knew what we would fear, the troubles we would face, and the mistakes we would make. Yet, He chose to love us anyway. “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16a). Therefore, we can experience His love without shame or fear, knowing that troubles do not mean God doesn’t care. It means He does care. Every move God makes on our behalf is based on love. God allows the hard things in life to develop genuine faith in us so that we are able to stand when the next storm comes our way.
Understanding this truth about God helped me to see that God is not against me. He is for me. When anxious times enter my life, I strengthen my faith by reciting what I know to be true.
“Lord, I trust that you are with me. I know that you will never leave me nor forsake me. I am not alone. You care for me. You are my provider and you have a special, perfect plan for me. It’s a plan to bring me good not bad. I do not have to be afraid for you are faithful. What I’m experiencing now may not be what I want or what I had planned for my life, but I trust you, Lord.”
When we can say these things, we know that our faith is becoming stronger than our fears.
(This excerpt was taken from Micca’s Book, An Untroubled Heart.)
I Corinthians 13:1-13 is called the Love Chapter of the Bible. This passage describes how God loves us and how He wants us to love others. The thing is…we can’t do it alone. It takes supernatural power to love others as we have been loved by God. The world teaches us that love is selfish, but God says that loves considers others first.
For example, compare the verses about love in 1 Cor to the superficial love found in the world …
God says love should be directed toward others
The world says love should be directed toward ourselves.
God says love is patient and kind.
The world says love satisfies your immediate needs.
God says love is never jealous or envious.
The world says love means you deserve the best.
If you would like the complete list of “God’s Love vs The Worlds Love” leave your email address in my comment section and I’ll send it to you over the weekend.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Tiffany says
I look forward to reading the entire list!
tlingg@nc.rr.com
Joni says
I would appreciate receiving the list—thank you! 🙂
jonimrsn@gmail.com
mrsc says
Thanks for the list! I have recently stumbled upon your blog and others from the Proverbs 31 site. Did I say "stumbled"? More like He led me to them at a time when I truly needed His guidance! Thank you in so many ways. . .
rdcaudill@yahoo.com
KELLY W says
Wonderful devotion! Happy Valentines Day!
BROWNJEN says
I needed your devotion! Fear sneaks in in the middle of the night and keeps away sleep. My second son needs open heart suregery he is only five. Please pray for him. His site is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/keeghanbrown
Please paste the list in his guest book so others can read it as well.
Thank you for picking me up 🙂
Jen
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/keeghanbrown
Stefanie says
Just wanted to come over to say how much I enjoyed your devotional today! I adore that Zephaniah verse, how it speaks to my very heart!
P.S. You should check out Wild Olive Tees, we have a shirt with that beautiful verse on the back and 'beloved' on the front… I'd be happy to send you one!
Van says
Good morning sweet sister – I so appreciated your devotion this morning. I know God serenades me because I wake up from sound sleep with a song in my heart. Who else but God could have placed it there and then waked me to hear the lovely melody and meaningful words of encouragement he has for me! Thanks for the reminder. I am smiling today because my God sings over me… any you!
L says
Thank you so much for your devotional. Over 5 years ago during one of the darkest periods in my life, God led me to that verse. I had never heard it or seen it before, but I clung to it desperately. It is now part of my testimony. I loved reading how God comforted you with it in the midst of your pain. Thank you for the reminder that God delights in us and is actually singing over us.
I would love receiving the list.
lwood4him@aol.com
Horse Prairie Chatterer says
Thanks you for the devotional. I'm going to share it with a family who recently lost a husband/son/father in a snowmobile accident.
It is hard to grasp the depths of love our God has for us, the verse in Zephaniah reminding us God is singing to us, for us, wooing us back to Him with the sweetness of song. I love it!
heartafire says
Loved your post about God seranading us. It is so true, that if we are the tiniest bit faithful in studying His word, he will continuously reveal amazing treasures. Loved your devotion about Zephaniah (a book I don't think I've ever really considered!)
hrt_afire@yahoo.com
Lisa says
Micca:
Your devotional today is an incredible blessing to me! Thank you! Please send the list…
Eagles Wings says
Micca, two wonderful posts about God's love and Zeph 3:17 – as I shared before one of my favorite…Remember Dennis Jernigan's interpretation of it? http://eagleswings98.blogspot.com/2009/10/it-is-such-awesome-interpretaion-of.html
God is so good! ALL THE TIME!.
and I would love a copy of your list!
Blessings
Melinda Papador says
I need this list! mpapador@mac.com Thank you and have a Happy Valentine's Day!
The Incredible Shrinking Woman says
Maybe it wasn't wasn't your intended emotion to spring forth from your devo today, but it made me laugh out loud! (The line about Zeph. pushed me over the edge!) It has been a week of emotional tests for me, and I while things are safely in God's hands, I've been looking out the window of my heart to see if He's waiting below, ready to offer me a soft place to fall. Thanks for the wonderful reminder that God delights in His children. His troublesome, needy, but loveable children… Yeah, that's pretty much how we are.
LOVED your Devo today!!!
Big Hugs,
Charlie
TARA says
I would love to receive a copy of the complete list. Thank you,
kelly says
This speaks to my heart so much today!
You are a gift…
I would love the list please!
Thank you so much,
Kelly
kmassey3@sbcglobal.net
TARA says
I would love to receive a copy of the complete list. Thank you.
Mary Ann says
I would love to receive the whole list. The devotional today and the excerpt from your book was a great inspiration for me, thank you.
chefexman@aol.com
Tammy Nischan says
I would "LOVE" to have the whole list on "LOVE!"
Thanks, Micca!
I Love You!
Tammy 🙂
Linda says
Linda
I look forward to receiving your list.
lstott@jasperisd.net
Allie says
Yes please! I would like the love list 🙂
Thanks
Allison
allieay@gmail.com
normhaslop says
nthaslop@gmail.com
Pam says
Great devotional.. hit a spot in my heart! I'd love a copy of your God's love vs world's love….
pkraycik@gmail.com
Shelley says
Hello,
I enjoyed your devotional on the Prov 31 site today, and followed the link to your blog. Just exactly what my heart needed to after a long night with little rest. Such a blessing!
Please do send the list of God's definitions, I can't wait to read it!
Many blessings to you.
Shelley
Niki says
Wow, I absolutely love that verse, it speaks volumes to me! Thank you. Pleaes send me the list. Have a joyous day in HIM!
niki_guthrie@yahoo.com
Wanda says
Would love to have the complete list. Your devotional was passed along to me by a relative and I really enjoyed. bnredeemed at gmail dot com.
Jennifer says
Hello, Micca! I came to your blog from Proverbs 31. I have to say I'm shocked. You don't DAILY read the book of Zephaniah? Hee hee.
What a wonderful devotional, thank you.
I would love the list, thanks!
jennifer@jennifermanskefenske.com
Amy says
ashepherd@cableone.net
Thanks for the devotion and blog today. I am going through a storm of my own, and God has given such peace and love, and He is giving me a supernatural love for my husband. I needed all this today! He gives us the grace and strength, just when we need it. Not a moment too soon or too late. 🙂
Emily says
Your devotional and your blog today brought me joy! I would love to see the entire list.
Thanks,
Emily
emily.schmehl@gmail.com
Leslie says
I just found your blog after reading my daily devotional from Proverbs 31. I plan to order your book, because it seems like a must read! I'd truly love it if you'd share your list with me! Thank you!
Leslie
heypooks at gmail dot com
Elaine says
I was just talking to God about this very thing an hour ago. Please send the list. Thank you.
snow_lightt@yahoo.com
Lin Wilson says
srwilson62@yahoo.com
Thanks!!
traceyoneal says
I am looking forward to receiving your list!
Life, or Something Like It says
I would love to receive the list. annemariewicker@gmail.com. Thanks.
Karen says
I really enjoyed your devotion and can't wait to read the rest of the list. Thank you for sending it!! mrsdomerdoc@yahoo.com
Melo dcat =) says
Thank you so much. May God bless you richly and Happy Valentine's Day. I would be very grateful if you could send me the list.
rita_sandakan@yahoo.com
Joy says
Would love to read the complete list!
jumpforjoy@gmail.com
Vanessa says
I'd love the list too
vanessaploc394@msn.com
Kendra says
katd83@gmail.com
Would love the list.
MrsProverbs31 says
Micca, I love your P31 devotion today. I needed to hear it. Lately, things kind of turned inside out for me. Your devotion encouraged me very much. Thank God for women like you. God bless you.
Colleen says
Micca,
I have been in that place where I doubted God's love for me. Looking back now I realize how foolish I was to think God would ever stop loving me. It was the evil one's voice, for certain, trying to separate me further from God. I would love to have the complete list – thanks for offering to send it out!
Erin Taylor says
I would love to have a copy of that list 🙂 Happy Valentines Day, you are a source of inspiration. Thank you for sharing the wisdom that God lies on your heart.
tmantime says
Thanks for your devotions and blog.
I would love the list.
Lani
tmantime@gmail.com
csierra says
Micca,
Thank you so much for todays devotional…you are so insperational I would be blessed to receive a copy of your list.
misscsierra@hotmail.com
Susan says
I would love to have a copy of this list. Thanks!
srseymore@gmail.com
Carol says
I would love to read the list….sometimes i feel soooo unloveable!
Carol
sweetsoodie@yahoo.com
Dee says
Marde18@gmail.com
joycie says
I would love to read your list! Thank you!
kgrandsko@hotmail.com
Rhea <> says
I would love a copy of the list. I often struggle with the worlds expectations vs. Gods.
Have a blessed day,
Rhea
gigirhea@sbcglobal.net
Chris K says
Your post is oh so timely. I have been struggling so much with my worthiness and wrestling with God about many issues – one of which is the death of our son several years ago. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you.
c.
MyMichellec says
I would like to read the whole thing
MyMichellec says
I look forward to reading all of it
Donna says
Thanks for a great devotional. Praise God he never leaves or forsakes us!!
Tina says
I'd love a copy of the complete list of “God’s Love vs The World's Love”. Thank you!
Tina
tmatas@tampabay.rr.com
crykessler says
please send me thelist of te world verus Gods views
crykessler@yahoo.com
Aroma says
I have a week delay in reading the P31 devotional of February 12… could you still send me the complete list??
I keep following you P31 Girls and it is more than a joy… it really helps building up trust and faithfulness for the Lord. Thank you!
Lila