January 4

God’s Love Is Firm Ground

May our Lord Jesus Christ . . . who loved us . . . encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17).

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Song: “Generous King”

In college, some friends and I were in a car accident on a curving mountain road. No one was seriously injured, though I had a nasty scrape on my neck from the seatbelt. We were stranded far from school and even farther from my home. One friend’s parents lived nearby and they took us in for the night. They didn’t just feed us and give us a place to sleep; they went out of their way to generously provide for all of our needs, both physical and emotional. They comforted us, encouraged us, and bought us toothbrushes. The next day, when we returned to school, I didn’t feel traumatized but strengthened and loved.

God has been generous with us. He has loved us, chosen us, saved us, and called us to share in Christ’s glory. He has given us eternal encouragement and good hope. All of this generosity gives us strength to stand firm and hold to Christ’s teachings just as the parents of my friend did when they helped me recover from the shock of a car accident. Take a moment to focus your thoughts on God’s generous provision and stand firm in His love today.

Lord, thank You for being so generous to me. Help me to stand firm on the foundation of Your love, grace, and eternal promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.