You. Are. Loved!

I love springtime, but I also have fallen in love with fall! Cooler but pleasant temperatures. Leaves changing colors.  The time of year for apples and pumpkins. Hayrides, and fun activities with family and friends.

This year I have been blessed to enjoy several activities with my family and friends including a mountain trip with my family. During our mountain trip, I was doing a Bible study by Jen Hatmaker called The 7 Experiment. At that particular time she was focusing on waste and creation care. She had us read the verses of Job 38-41.

In the days that have followed, I have thought much about what God said in those passages and other passages that deal with creation. I have always known that all things were created for the glory of God. For me, I look at creation and thank God for His hand in creating such beauty and for His design. I look at creation and it points me to the Creator, which I know glorifies God. But, what I so often have failed to see is God's love and care for His creation. I know that God is sovereign and over all things. He is all powerful and all knowing. But, I fail to recognize His love and care over the intricate details in nature and how it impacts my life.

In reading the verses of Job 38-41 I was struck with the detail that God used in describing His control over creation and how intricately He is acquainted with every detail in the life of His creation. Job 38:39- 39:2 says, "Do you hunt the prey for the lioness and satisfy the hunger of the lions when they crouch in their dens or lie in wait in a thicket? Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food? Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn? Do you count the months till they bear? Do you know the time they give birth?"There are such vivid descriptions throughout the whole passage- How God must love His creation and gain much pleasure in it!

And, if God loves His creation, how He must love man who was created in His own image (Gen. 2:26-27). As my thoughts went deeper, verses come to mind of God's love for us and how intricately He is acquainted with us. Matthew 10:29-31 says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." The hairs of your head are numbered... And Matthew 6:28-30 says, "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of theses. If that is how God clothes the grass of the fields which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith." We are told that if God loves and cares for sparrows and grass/ lilies of the field, how much more He loves and cares for us who were made in the very likeness of Him.

It is quite amazing and humbling to think that the very God who created all that surrounds me, the mighty trees and mountains, vast oceans, galaxies, animals-

the leaves that change colors

apple trees that bear fruit, 

plants that produce gorgeous flower-

That God- loves and cares about me! Friends, yes, hard times come, life can be hard, but no matter what season of life you are in- You. Are. Loved. by a most gracious God who is concerned about YOU. A God who loved you so much He sent His Son to die so that you and I can live eternally with Him (John 3:16). 

I encourage you, that as you enjoy this beautiful fall, as you gaze at the beauty around you, remember that the God who is in control of every detail in nature is concerned with every detail in your life. 

"Oh, how He loves us" Yes, Oh, how He love us.

Friends, You. Are. Loved!