Chased down
by Pastor Mark Gierus
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Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6a).
Read Psalm 23
When it comes to God’s love, have you ever wondered just how big it is? You may know quite well the verse, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16). But what does it really mean?
Well, God loved the whole world, all creation, and continues to love you as part of his creation. He made you his own through the suffering and death of his only Son, Jesus, who came to die for sin. That is what love is – Jesus laid down his life for you, me and the whole world, and by believing in Jesus, you will not die eternally but live with him forever.
We can easily read and say these words. God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, Jesus, but sometimes, it doesn’t feel like we are loved. The devil can tempt us with lies when we feel down, simply by asking us, ‘Are you really loved? If God loved you, maybe you would be happy and not hurting’.
It is easy to tell ourselves this, too, without the temptation from the devil. We can put ourselves down when hurting, frustrated, sad or lonely. Yet the words of Psalm 23 give us so much comfort.
God’s goodness and love are amazing. You might say that’s great, but it doesn’t feel like it at all.
How about this? The word used in the Hebrew language we translate as ‘follow’ means so much more than just following. It literally means to hound and pursue. So, as you read these words today, know the meaning behind these words is this: God’s love will not quit on you; in fact, it will chase you down, pursuing you forever. It will not be far from you but in you. God’s love and goodness will never let you go.
O my Shepherd, help me to know that you are all I need. When I am struggling, remind me of your love and goodness that chases me to the ends of the earth because I am yours. You have called me by name and know everything I face day by day. Wrap me in your goodness and love this day as I do the work you send me to do. Amen.
Pastor Mark lives with his two daughters aged 11 and 8 in Redcliffe, just north of Brisbane. He currently serves as a pastor in the LCANZ and is passionate about sharing Jesus’ love with those around him. Pastor Mark loves to travel with his family to see the wonders of God’s creation and meet people who share their stories of what God has done for them.
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