Completely Loved

Reflect on God’s Word

Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson wrote a song in 1966 called “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” It was recorded and made popular by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1967, and again in 1970 when it was recorded by Diana Ross. The idea is a simple one: nothing can keep us from the one we love.

It’s romantic to think that someone would love us so much that nothing could keep them from getting to us when we need them. Well, humanly speaking, that’s probably not possible, but it is possible with God.

Consider Romans 8:38–39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When regrets threaten to consume you, or when you are dealing with the unavoidable results of sin in your life, take comfort in the truth that nothing can separate you from God’s love.

The story of the prophet Hosea and his wife, Gomer, gives us a powerful picture of how much God loves us. Israel had been unfaithful to God. They were worshiping false gods and had turned their backs on the one true God. So God directed Hosea to marry Gomer, a prostitute. God knew Gomer would be unfaithful to Hosea, just as Israel had been unfaithful to him.

And sure enough, Gomer left and went back to her former life of prostitution. And Hosea went after her and took her back. Hosea 3:1 says, “The LORD said to me, ‘Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.’”

Not only did Hosea take Gomer back after her unfaithfulness, he bought her at a great price (Hosea 3:2).

Hosea showed great mercy to Gomer to illustrate God’s great love and mercy toward Israel. He was a living illustration of God’s love and faithfulness.

The world may not be merciful, but God is always merciful. God does not deal harshly with you. Instead, he loves you. In fact, his steadfast love for those who fear him is as high as the heavens are above the earth. Do you know how far it is from where you are to the farthest reaches of the galaxy? Imagine God’s love reaching even further than that.

Our heavenly Father is an all-powerful God, whose love extends beyond the reach of your imagination.

Today, don’t let your regrets define you; rather, let the truth define you. And the truth is that in Christ, you are wholly forgiven and perfectly loved. Your sins are not too big for God.

Release Your Shame

Attend now to your breath, inhaling slowly, holding it, and then exhaling slowly. As you continue this slow, steady breathing, hold your hands open, palms down, as if you were dropping the regret and shame you’ve been carrying. Then flip your palms up, ready to receive the perfect love of God. Breathe slowly and expectantly, listening for God.

Your sins and wanderings from God may have consequences, but losing his love will never be one of them. Nothing can separate you from his love.

Let the reality of God’s love infiltrate your heart. Rest in his presence. Your past failures do not define you. God wants to abide with you today. He wants you to know that what matters most is your identity in Jesus.

As you find comfort in the God of love, take a moment to praise him. Bless his name. Thank him now for the specific ways he has shown love to you.

God, you are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Thank you for forgiving me, redeeming me, and crowning me with your love and mercy. Please help me believe the truth that your love is more powerful than my sins. Help me to live in the freedom you offer rather than living trapped in regret. I ask this in the name of Jesus, amen.

JOURNAL PROMPT: Journal about the ways in which you have been unfaithful to God. How has he then showed his great love and faithfulness to you?