“Pursued by Love” by Guest Writer: Carla D. Burnette

“Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.” Psalm 23:6a HCSB

Do you feel lost, friend? Insignificant and unseen? Waiting for someone to reach out to you?

Let me assure you that your heavenly Father sees you and deeply cares for you. I am certain of this because God’s love for you is shown repeatedly in the Bible.

God’s paternal love.

¹² What do you think? If someone has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, won’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go and search for the stray? ¹³ And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over that sheep more than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. ¹⁴ In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones perish. Matthew 18:12-14 CSB

He pursues us.

The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 CSB

But, it is our choice to allow Him into our lives by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. When we do, we become a child of God .

But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, John 1:12 CSB

And He rejoices like the shepherd who found his lost sheep.

And He continues to pursue us with His love to draw us closer and closer to Him. Our Father longs for intimacy with us so that we cultivate love for Him and trust in His love.

In our key verse, David proclaims that God’s “goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life” Psalm 23:6a.

God demonstrates His love for us by:

* Speaking to us through His Word – how much He loves us, promises He’s given us.

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His faithful love toward those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:11 CSB

* Providing for our needs.

“So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” Matthew 6:31-33 CSB

* Blessing us with every spiritual blessing – salvation, eternal life, forgiveness, the Holy Spirit

“Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for Himself.” Ephesians 1:3,5 CSB

* Desiring fellowship with us

“See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 CSB

*Showing His love through others – encouragement,  support.

“Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” John 13:34b CSB

What an extravagant love our heavenly Father has for us! You are cherished and treasured, my Friend.

Despite all these powerful truths, we tend to forget them, especially during times of hardship. Is this you, friend? Do you feel lost and overwhelmed in your situation and that no one cares, not even God? Please know that we all go through such times where we doubt God’s love, or we miss His gestures of lovingkindness when our minds are preoccupied.

Yet, our Father continues pursuing us in spite of our doubts and ignorance. He welcomes us with open arms, waiting for us to acknowledge Him.

Go to Him, Friend, and pour out your heart. He will listen and meet with you. Allow Him into the deep places of your heart. He will comfort and console you.

CARLA D. BURNETTE

Time with the Father, sitting in His presence, worshipping Him, and reading His Word are vital disciplines for our minds and will help us to remain focused on God’s character rather than our circumstances. We remember God’s love for us and know He is faithful to see us through our situation.

I will never forsake you Hebrews 13:5c CSB

You are treasured, cherished, and dearly loved. His love will pursue you all the days of your life Psalm 23:6a.

“Father, I pray for my sisters, and as Your Word says: ¹⁷ and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, ¹⁹ and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Carla lives in Louisiana with her husband, Jason. They have two adult daughters. Carla’s passion is to equip women with God’s truth, so they are empowered to live as devoted disciples who are anchored in God’s Word. You can connect with Carla on her website: https://carladburnette.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carladburnette Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carladburnette.

We thank you, Carla, for your contribution to this month’s publication of Titus-two.com speaking about the love of God.

You are loved to Heaven and Back, Carla ~~

LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary