Thankful for my Heavenly Father by Ruth L. Snyder

"Do you believe God loves you?"

This question from an accountability partner stopped me in my tracks. "Of course I do!"

"Is God enough for you?"

I wanted to say yes, but I had just finished describing how hurt I was by people's actions, and how I needed affirmation from them.

"God loves you, Ruth! He is all you need. People may affirm you. They may not. That doesn't matter. God is enough. Period."

God has continued to use people to ask me these hard questions throughout the week, ending with our pastor's Thanksgiving message: "If You Had No Blessings to Count." He urged us to, "Be happy with God alone."

In case I hadn't heard the message clearly enough yet, God spoke to me again later in the day. I finished packing clothes for Luke, who is going away for a few days and nights. Then I wrote a note and put it on top of his clothes so he will see the note when he unzips his suitcase. I included Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

In my note I said, "Remember that God is always with you, no matter what. Nothing can separate you from God's love! Love & prayers, Mom"

As I walked down the hallway, God whispered to my heart, "Do you believe what you wrote? Do you believe that I love you? That nothing can separate you from my love?"

Tears filled my eyes. "Yes, Father, I believe. I accept your love. Thank you."

The Gospel is simple enough that we can share it with children. When I spoke at Bible camp years ago, this was my outline for five days:
1. God loves me
2. I have sinned
3. Jesus died for me
4. I receive His gift
5. I am saved

It would appear I'm a very slow learner—still working on understanding the first point.

We live in a world where we all fall short of God's plan. In the Church, and even in Christian families, we don't really experience true love. God is love....Completely, without fault. God is the only one who knows me as I really am, and yet He loves me. He cares for me. He provides for me. He shelters me. He prods me to grow. He rebukes and corrects me. He rejoices over me. He has a good plan for my life. He works all things together for good.

This Thanksgiving, although I have many things for which to be thankful, I am focusing on one: God, my Heavenly Father, loves me.

What has God been teaching you lately? I'd love to hear about it.

Find out more about Ruth L. Snyder, her writing and coaching at RuthLSnyder.com or connect with her on Facebook.