Have you noticed that Bible verses about God’s love often include one particular adjective? In the New International Version, translators chose the word unfailing, as in:
I trust in your unfailing love.
Psalm 13:5 NIV
Just in the psalms alone of that version you’ll find the phrase unfailing love used at least twenty-seven times.
Even more interesting, look up those same verses in other translations and you’ll find no less than eight different expressions in place of unfailing love, including:
- Gracious love (International Standard Version)
- Devoted love (Berean Standard Bible)
- Steadfast love (English Standard Version)
- Constant love (Good News Translation)
- Merciful love (New American Standard Bible)
- Lovingkindness (Amplified Bible)
- Faithful love (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
- Loyal love (New English Bible) [1]
Each one adds to the wonder of an all-powerful King of the universe who delights in you, who treasures you.
Yes, he does.
So for the next few moments, let God love on you. Deliciate in the lavish love of your Heavenly Father. [2]
He would have you know:
My love for you, precious child, is gracious—
I do not just put up with you!
My grace to you is affirmation of my acceptance
and pleasure in you. [3]
My love for you is devoted—
caring, affectionate, and attentive.
Remember, I am always thinking about you;
I am always supplying your needs. [4]
My love for you is steadfast.
“No matter what you might do,
you don’t have to worry about letting Me down,
because you were never holding Me up.” [5]
My love for you is constant.
I already loved you before time began.
Regardless of your performance,
My love for you will never diminish. [6]
My love for you, dear one, is merciful—
forgiving, sympathetic, and ungrudging.
I’ve given you a dazzling crown of mercy and compassion;
will you not wear it? [7]
My love for you is full of kindness.
Through My Son I made it possible
for you to enjoy a rich and satisfying life.
I continually bless you with good things. [8]
My love for you is faithful.
Time and again I have “accomplished wonders,
plans formed long ago—with perfect faithfulness”—
To bless you, provide for you, grow you. [9]
My love for you is loyal—
Unchanging, unwavering, and unfailing.
The more you depend on Me,
The more dependable you will find me to be. [10]
* * * * * * * * * *
I can scarcely believe that you, the God of the universe, with all your perfections and glory, would love me—with all my imperfections and shame. Yet you eagerly bestow your gracious favor in wondrous ways. Help me to continually rest in your unfailing love, free from anxiety and fear. Amen.
How is God loving on you today? Please share in the comment section below!
Art & photo credits: http://www.pickpik.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.picryl.com (artist: Richard Jakopic); http://www.pickpik.com (2).
[1] In many Old Testament scriptures, it’s the multi-dimensional Hebrew word hesed (used nearly 250 times) that translators are trying to express.
[2] Based on a statement of Margaret Feinberg, Wonderstruck, 25.
[3] John 1:12; Psalm 147:11
[4] Psalm 139:17-18; Philippians 4:19
[5] Lysa Terkeurst, Embraced, 130.
[6] Jeremiah 31:3; 1 John 4:8; Romans 8:38-39
[7] Psalm 103:2-4
[8] John 10:10 NLT; Psalm 107:9 GNT
[9] Isaiah 25:1; Matthew 7:11; Psalm 23:1; Philippians 1:6
[10] James 1:17; Psalm 145:13b; Cliff Richard, https://www.searchquotes.com/search/Dependable_God/
From the Inside Out 