Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak, but He is strong!
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so.
Many of us have known and sung this song since we were little children. Perhaps a parent, grandparent, or Sunday School teacher sang this song to you. Its words and melody easily become memorized and sung by even the youngest child. The melody can have a calming effect on fussy infants who have heard this sung by their mother before they were even born.
Life has its challenges and storms that can threaten our very lives. In recent months, there have been severe hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, fires, and earthquakes; just to mention the natural disasters. Violence, political, and financial unrest throughout the world just add to our sense of unease and dread. In times of crisis we naturally return to the basics: getting to safety, finding shelter, food, clothing, and escaping the danger as much as possible! In times of our own personal crises, we also need to return to the basics. Other than the obvious needs of physical protection, we may need emotional or spiritual protection. As adults, there are times we may feel we need to have someone hold us and tell us that we will be OK. Someone more powerful than we are, to be in charge and take control. In times of natural disasters or national crises we often see how people rally and do help each other. It brings out an element of compassion in us, both towards friends or strangers alike! But, then there are the moments when no one else is there. It is then, in the quiet of our hearts, we need to know “How Deep the Father’s Love For Us”.
It is the sense of being loved and cared for that brings the deepest feeling of security to young and old alike. Actions, words, or attitudes that convey kindness, compassion, protection, and wisdom allow us to relax and endure even the severest hardships or suffering. “Long ago the Lord said to Israel, ‘I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.’” (Jeremiah 31:3 NLT) Not as something we can earn or deserve, but “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8 NLT).
It is this message of being loved, by Someone greater and more powerful than any on earth, that can bring us a peace that transcends the storms of life. This can give us an assurance and hope of something better, something eternal! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)
May you know the warmth and love of friends and family in the storms of life, but even more importantly, may you know the depth of the Father’s love!
Listen to this beautiful song.