I Love You This Much

The celestial realms announce God’s glory; the skies testify of His hands’ great work. — Psalm 19:1 The Voice

Most of us would be quick to acknowledge that all of creation “speaks” of God — that it announces His majesty and splendor. But how many of us realize that creation also declares His love for us? Because we’re mere humans, we couldn’t handle God revealing His love for us in all its divine fullness, so He speaks to us through His creation.

If you’ve ever stepped outside your door on a brilliant, seventy-degree day after a week of cold rain and thought you were going to explode with joy — or if you’ve ever choked back tears at the sight of a canyon, a field, a forest, or a waterfall — those were God’s ways of telling you how much He loves you. Just imagine someone stretching his arms out and shouting, “I love you this much!” That’s what God does with each sunrise, each sunset that stretches across a never-ending sky. What will you say to Him in reply?

I see the works of Your hand, and I hear You, Lord. You’re telling me how much You love me, and my heart is about to burst in reply. Amen.

*

I Love You Too

You should love Him, your True God, with all your heart and soul, with every ounce of your strength. — Deuteronomy 6:5 The Voice

Just as God expresses the extent of His love for us through the wonders of His creation, we can express our love for Him through a selfless and servant-minded life.

I love you, God says, as He splashes the night sky with a million stars.

I love you too, we say, as we forfeit an evening of relaxation to cook supper for a sick mother-in-law.

I love you, God says, as He sends a raincloud to cool a stifling August afternoon.

I love you too, we say, as we forgive our teenager for words spoken in haste.

I love you, God says, as He scatters a thousand wildflowers across an open field.

I love you too, we say, as we refuse to fret and worry over a company lay-off.

Family life, marriage, work, friendships, seasons of joy, sea- sons of suffering — they all offer daily opportunities to follow, to obey, to say… “I love You, God.”

Through every detail of my daily life, I want to say that I love You, too, Lord! Amen.

Excerpted with permission from 365 Devotions to Love God and Love Others Well by Victoria York, copyright Zondervan.

* * *

Your Turn

How often has God said “I love you” that we have missed? Does a downpour of rain remind us? Or the beauty of a wild, stormy ocean? Have you said “I love You, too” back to Him today? Come share with us on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily

Learn more about this book in the FaithGateway store >