Birthday Message

I'll shut up about my birthday eventually, but in all honesty, I'd like to hear this particular birthday message every day. And I figured that you all might like hearing it too.

Every year, the awesome folks at my awesome church sends me a card with these verses. I'm holding onto it this year, and putting in on my mirror, because for some reason, I still can't accept that God, whoever He is, loves lil' ol' me... and what that means exactly. THIS is how much He loves me:

"You may not know me, but I know everything about you... (Psalm 139:1)

I know when you sit down and when you rise up... (Psalm 139:2)

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered... (Matthew 10:29-31)

For you were made in my image... (Genesis 1:27)

In me you live and move and have your being... (Acts 17:28)

For you are my offspring... (Acts 17:28)

I knew you even before you were conceived... (Jeremiah 1:4-5)

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book... (Ps. 139:15-16)

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you... (1 John 3:1)

Simply because you are my child and I am your father... (1 John 3:1)

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore... (Ps. 139:17-18)

And I rejoice over you with singing... (Zephaniah 3:17)

For you are my treasured possession... (Exodus 19:5)"

And then, just when you don't think your heart could soften any more, the church prints this after that love song:

"Love,

your Dad, Almighty God."

Isn't that just the coolest? HE SINGS OVER ME!!!!!

I wish THIS had been the first I'd ever been taught about God, as opposed to the wrathful side (which is true, but not His only personality). Perhaps then I would not struggle so much today, with the seemingly inconceivable truth that He loves me. Hmmmm.

-x-
aarti