We all have those moments we wish we could go back to. A memory so perfect we wish we could stay there forever. I took this picture during one of those moments. I was with a group of girls and we were singing “How He Loves” by David Crowder Band. This song is special to me for a lot of reasons.
One of the reasons why this song hits me in the feels every time I listen to it is because growing up I would listen to this song in the car with my family. On one of those car ride adventures we ended up on the Oregon coast and my mom, brother, and I were walking along the beach when someone ran up to us. They gave a description of our car and told us that it had been broken into. I took off running to tell my dad who was out in the water surfing. We ran back to our car and stared in shock at the shattered window and our stolen possessions. While my parents cleaned up the glass and figured out what to do next, the radio played the song “How He Loves.” I remember standing there, looking out at the ocean, and singing about how God loves us. In that moment, I forgave the thief and I thought about what it means to be loved by God.
I encourage you to play this song and just let it wash over you. I notice that this song always plays when I need it the most. When I’m in a hard spot, when I’m looking at what’s missing instead of looking at what I have. When things don’t make sense, when I need a pick-me up, and when I don’t feel like I deserve to be loved. Sit in the midst of your storm and listen to God speaking encouragement over you. He is jealous for you! His love and mercy will sweep you off your feet! He loves you so so much!
God will catch you unaware and show you just how much He loves you. All you have to do is search for the beauty in nature that’s already there. Dance in the rain; He loves you! Climb up that mountain; He loves you! Swim in the sea; He loves you! Stare at the stars; He loves you! Walk in the sunlight; He loves you! Sit and look; He loves you! Be okay with being loved. Because God loves you and there’s nothing you could do or say to make that love go away. So sit in His love and understand just how much He loves you.
EMILY DICKINSON 