02/07/2019
His Steadfast Love Preserves You
As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!
─ Psalm 40:11
“I can’t believe I’m dealing with this again,” Amber said sadly to her friend, Stacy.
“I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine,” Stacy said, placing her hand on Amber’s shoulder as they walked their dogs in the park nearby their apartment.
“I thought I’d forgiven my mom for not being the mother I deserved. But now, the thought of seeing her in person after all these years, I’m just not so sure. I’ve asked myself a million times how she could choose prescription drugs over me. Finally, after my parents’ divorce, years of prison and then rehab, she’s clean and saved. It’s really hard to believe.”
“Sometimes our feelings get in the way. Just because you forgave her doesn’t mean you no longer have the feelings of hurt, pain and disappointment. Maybe you don’t have any love for her at all. But you can respond to her with God’s love within you. It’s okay to take it slow and follow His lead.”
When the day came to meet her mother at a local coffee shop, Amber’s confidence had grown. It wasn’t anything she did, but because God forgave her, and loved her, she knew He would give her what she needed to face her mother and offer her His true forgiveness.
Today’s One Thing
Do you find it difficult to forgive someone? Ask the Lord to demonstrate His steadfast love in you and through you for this person.