God Loves You and He Rejoices Over You with Singing
Posted: Wednesday, April 23, 2008
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
If you ever feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things, you are not alone. In fact,
you would be in good company--and I would be right there with you. King David wondered this same thing many times and shared his thoughts and prayer with us.
"When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that you are mindful of him?" (Psalm 8:4a.)
I have echoed these same words in my heart from time to time. And then I remember that we have a God who is alive--who's name is El Olam (Hebrew for the Everlasting God). He is personal and desires to dwell in the hearts of man. Isaiah 53:10 says that it pleased the Father to bruise the Son, so that man would be restored to a right relationship with Himself.
Bringing this truth back to the forefront of our hearts and minds will reassure us that we are significant in His sight. We matter and He loves us. When we consider this name (one of the many) of God, we can be encouraged and confident that everything about His character is everlasting. This means, His plans, His promises and His love for us is forever. What a comforting thought. His love will never run dry. He will never say to us, "here is your portion of grace, use it wisely because when it runs out, it's gone." No, His very name means His provision is forever. Yes, I know I am repeating myself here, but this is a truth that many of us profess to believe, but our constant state of fear, worry and doubt show the world that we don't really believe that God is big enough for us.Thus, it is worth repeating until all doubt is gone.
Today I would encourage you to consider the following passages of Scripture. Read them with the renewed understanding of El Olam. These thoughts and promises to you are from everlasting to everlasting. A steady stream of love, grace, forgiveness and help in time of need.
"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, The LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength." ( Isaiah 40: 28-29)
"The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
"For all the promises of God in Him [Jesus] are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us in God, who has also sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." (2 Corinthians 1:20-21)
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the reminder of how much you love us. Thank you that we can count on you and we can know that your love and provision will never cease. Thank you that you provided a way for man to have a relationship with you through Jesus. I pray for those who know you, but are struggling with fear and doubt; maybe they feel they have gone beyond your grace and that you will not accept them any longer. Maybe they are concerned for their loved ones. Lord, help them to hear the singing that is going on in your heart for them. May they hear your voice and respond to your call to restore confidence and renew their joy. Father, I pray for those who have never surrendered to your love and have not received forgiveness through Jesus Christ, that they may receive your Spirit. Father, you have told us that you will give your children a spirit of strength and a sound mind. Father, hear my prayer and the prayers of others, for if you would chose not to listen there is nothing we would be able to do to get your attention. But you have chosen to hear, and most importantly, respond and I thank you for that. Go before us now, in the most precious name of Jesus I pray. And all who agree say, Amen.
For an In-depth study of the names of God, I suggest reading "Praying the Names of God" by Ann Spangler. You will be blessed beyond measure!
(C) Teresa Ortiz
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)Great stuff, Teresa! Our church did a study on praying the names of God about 20 years ago and I was just telling someone the other day how that probably impacted my life more than any other sermon series I had ever heard.Hi Bruce! Thanks for reading and commenting. I agree, it makes a huge impact on our relationship with God when we understand his character in a deeper way. It brings the Scriptures alive and brings a more personal meaning to them. For example, we are told to believe in the name of the Lord and we shall be saved. Well no wonder, if His name is faithful, forgiving, loving, protector, healer, shepherd, and Creator, just to name a few, wow! Now that is a name we can believe in and trust!! Thanks again, I appreciate your input.
Amen! Being somewhat into music, I have always loved knowing God sings over me. Thanks, Teresa for another great article.Hi LM, thank you for your encouraging words. It's His still small voice that brings great comfort. The problem is sometimes we are just too busy to slow down and be quiet before Him so that we can hear! Praise God for the Amen!
This is good. When I get focused on this life and its circumstances, then I lose focus on the God's love for me. I love this reminder. Thank you, and well articulated, Teresa.Hi Becky, Isn't this the truth. How quickly we can lose our focus at times. I am glad you were blessed. Have a great day!!
Yes thanks for the book I'll research where it can be found, best wishes Robert SR.Hi Robert, you can find it at any local Christian book store or Amazon. You will love it! I have studied the names of God at different times as it related to a specific passage of Scripture, but to have many of them in one place and have that be the main focus, is an enriching experience. My favorite thing to do is go back to my Bible and write the Hebrew name over the english word and then I jot a few descriptions of the name beside it. That way, whenever I go back to read, I have a descriptive view of the name . That way I have a fuller image of the God I am reading about. Anyone who studies the names (or titles) of God, whether with the help of Ann Spangler or straight from the word is bound to fall more in love with God and desire to serve him in a deeper way. Blessings to you. Let me know what you think of the book.
This was a very inspirational article. It was truly written from the heart. They say that the Word of God never comes back void. This is very true, because this article spoke to me when I needed it most. Thanks and keep on writing!!Hi Tim, thanks for sharing how God blessed you with this article! It is true, God told us His word will not go out in vain and we can count on it. I am so glad you were encouraged! God loves you! Stay close to Him. Don't let the cares of the world or uncertain circumstances cause your heart to grow weary. Blessings to you and you are welcome--all glory, honor and praise be unto the Lord.
You write with such passion and connection to spirit. I like the reminder to know that God is bigger than all of us and to get rid of the doubt. Very inspiring.Hi Barbara, thank you for the kind words, I am so glad that the love and passion I have for God comes through, and I am especially glad that you were reminded of how big God is and that you were inspired. Blessings to you from our great big God! Teresa
Teresa, I'm often amazed by the many who poo-poo religion and see it as being only for the weak. But the joke's on them, for we are all weak. At times of crisis, earthquake, tsunami, death, loss, loneliness, where do we turn but to He of eternal perfection in honesty and integrity, for unlike mankind, He will never abandon us or lead us astray. We may struggle and encounter trial, but only as we should, for great reward does not come without great tests. And I love the singing over us image. Even our signing to Him is beautiful, for it is emboldened prayer given great power with rhythm and melody of the many when we sing and praise him en masse. Sing on, sister, sing on! ;=)Hi Jeff, thanks for the wonderful commentary--so true, so true! Sing on, my brother, sing on! BTW, you have been putting out some amazing articles and your new status shows it!! Congrats dear friend!Teresa, Thanks for saying so. Yes, I feel the power of reaching out and encouraging growing. I live to help people to see the good and act on it. Peace.You are most welcome!! ((smiles))
hi teresa, it's so easy to remember God's love when everything is going well. then something out of our control happens, and we pray, but it's still hard not to worry, because His answer may not be the one we want to hear. but, if we truly believe, we will know it's in our best interest. this was a well written article. thanks for sharing, best regards, sueHI Sue, you are so right. But we forget that faith and trust is just that, faith and trust that our heavenly Father knows best, and we have peace when we surrender our will to His and trust in His great love for us. Thank you so much for your input. All the best to you as well.
Teresa, Excellent article. Thanks for including that little piece of truth regarding God's willingness to listen to us. You're absolutely right, there is nothing we could do to get His attention if He were not willing to give it. But He is! I think sometimes we are busy trying to somehow capture His attention rather than just trust we have it and pour out our heart to Him.Hi Dane, how are you doing?! You are so right--we think we have to jump through hoops to get to Him. Thanks for adding this bit of truth in your comment. I appreciate it and I hope and pray others do as well. God is waiting with open arms, we just have to run to Jesus. We were talking about this very thing last night in study; No one can come to the Son unless the Father draw him. (John 6:44) and yet we read that God calls everyone, but unfortunately not all respond. May the love of God break through to the heart that is searching! Blessings to you.
Teresa! Thanks! I so needed the reminder! I love the picture of him rejoicing over me singing! I will say I just finished a study on God's love and it is probably the greatest truth I have ever learned: that is love is immutable! Thanks for sharing your gift with us and reminding us of this truth!Your welcome, God is always faithful to give us what we need! I pray every heart would receive it. Thanks for commenting, and yes, God's love is immutable--the part we don't like is that God's love includes discipline. As the word says, He chastens those he loves!! Thank God he loves me enough to discipline me!!!
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