“…Therefore, my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 31:20 (NIV)
It is hard for a father to forget his son and/or daughter. It doesn’t matter how intensely he must scold them; his heart is tender towards them. It is the same with God; He is tender toward His people.
The Scripture verse, “…I have loved you with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3), is very reassuring from our God. But what does everlasting really mean? We sometimes miss that the word everlasting speaks about forever. The definition extends beyond duration. Occasionally, we try to remember the past and all the years of history but realise that we arrive at a place where we cannot recall or think any further. The interesting fact is that reason and logic assert that beyond that point, there has been existence. This is a simple demonstration of what everlasting means.
Contrarily, if we let our minds venture into the future, we will come to the same uncertainty where we can no longer comprehend time, and it all seems meaningless – the vanishing point in the future. However, that’s where God dwells, but we are powerless to grasp this reality. Thus, the word ‘everlasting’. It is simply expressing a greater dimension beyond what we can think. In Ephesians 3:17-19, Apostle Paul said, “…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge…”. Everlasting love!
Hence, when the sins of the past, including those of parents, seem to be attaching themselves to you and your mind, don’t just ask, “Why me, Lord? Remember His love and mercy. He’s aching to remind us that in the midst of it all, His everlasting love, His mysterious love, is ready and available.
Situations may hurt and devastate us, but they won’t damage us. The very hurt and discomfort you’re going through are what will produce in you the character that God wants. They will refine you, making you that selfless human. Remember, He has drawn you with unfailing kindness. He will not allow you to miss out on anything He has planned for you. He will lead you with His everlasting love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your everlasting love, which endures forever. Thank You, oh God, for the many blessings You have bestowed upon us. Help us, dear God, to know this love that surpasses knowledge so that we can be filled to the measure of all the fullness of You, in Jesus’ holy name! Amen.
Read: Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 5:8
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 22:12-21; Mark 1:29-45; Mark 2:1-17; Exodus 19; Exodus 20
