I like to write about sad things sometimes. One of the reasons I started a blog was to write about my struggles in walking with God. Sad kind of comes with that territory. But I was lying awake last night and one of my favorite words came to mind, and that's what I want to write about today. One of the best words I know is...
ANYWAY.
Anyway. As in, God loves you anyway. In the midst of every struggle, God loves you anyway.
Think of this. Most of us have lied. (I have.)
God loves you anyway.
Most of us have hurt someone with something we've said or done. (I have.)
God loves you anyway.
Most of us have hated someone, which Jesus equates with murder. (I have... are I think that goes without saying from now on!) God loves you anyway.
Most of us have lusted, which Jesus equates with adultery. God loves you anyway. Most of us have a hard time forgiving, which we're commanded to do. God loves you anyway. Most of us have failed to read the Bible when we should, failed to pray constantly like we should, outright ignored God, outright ignored our neighbors in need, not given enough, been selfish, stolen, cheated, slandered, hurt...
And God loves you anyway.
Now, is the "anyway" on the end of that sentence license to go on doing all these things? Of course not! Let's strive to be better, and not hurt our neighbors or our God more than we already have. But for every moment we fall short... God loves us anyway.
Loves you. Loves me. Loves all of us.
And that's a beautiful thing.
There is a song by Nicole Nordeman from her first (and in my opinion best) album called 'Anyway'.
ReplyDelete'Bless the day this restoration is complete
Dirty, dusty
Something must be underneath
So I scrap and I scuff
Though it's never quite enough
I am starting to see me finally
A gallery of paintings new and paintings old
I guess it's no surprise that I'm no Michelangelo
Every layer of mine hides a lovely design
It might take a little patience
It might take a little time
But You called me beautiful
When You saw my shame
And You placed me on the wall
Anyway
You who have begun this work will someday see
A picture of the holiness you meant for me
So I'll sparkle and shine 'til it's easier to find
Even an outline of mine
But You called me beautiful
When You saw my shame
And You placed me on the wall
Anyway'
Thought it kind went with what you were saying. :)
Thank you Alex. Song lyrics are an amazing way to get across meaning. I do wonder how God sees me, and other people. Is beautiful part of that picture He sees? It's neat to think of ourselves as not only a work in progress, but maybe even by God's miracle a work of art in progress. Thanks for the comment! God Bless ya!
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