Truly Loved + Wholly Surrendered

My heart breaks, oh, how my heart breaks for those who are hurting, in pain, or just have a lot of heartache. I know from experience that it's not easy, and quite honestly, it just drains you. But, dear ones, take heart. Please don't forget that 'the Lord is close to the broken-hearted,' (Psalm 34:18); He heals all wounds that time cannot. When I thought of writing in light of this topic, this song came to me almost immediately: And all you who labor in vain And to the broken and shamed Love is here Love is now Love is pouring from His hands, from His brow Love is near, it satisfies Streams of mercy flowing from His side 'Cause Love is here  Listen:  "Love is Here," Tenth Avenue North Jesus bore all this pain that you carry on that rugged cross. Yes, I understand that it doesn't always take away the pain right away, but, dear ones, take notice of the fact that He knows that you're hurting. You think it doesn't bother Him? Oh...

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)," Ephesians 2:4-5 NJKV By grace you have been saved. Think about this: the definition of grace is, "the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings." FAVOR. In other words, God so favored us that He sent His only Son to die on the cross for our sins. Not because He loves us, although He did send His Son because He loves us, we receive salvation because He favors us. Isn't that crazy to think about? In the midst of all our sin, all our brokenness, God looked down on us and said, "Yes, I want these people to be Mine, I will provide a way. I choose to bestow My favor on them." Isn't it crazy? God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, because of His grace, and now we are His, forever. When you think about how and...