Have you ever stopped to consider the gifts God has given and is giving us?  Salvation, forgiveness, deliverance, peace, truth, justice, grace, new holy identity, healing, wisdom–I could go on and on and on.  If you look deep into the core of every single one of His gifts, you will find love to be the source.

In September 2008, I was stressing over the circumstances of my life and was puzzled by something I heard when I woke up from a dream that morning:

“I can’t give you anything but love, Baby.

It’s the only thing I’m plenty of,  Baby….”

I knew these were words from an old song my parents and us kids used to harmonize to in the car but never gave it much other consideration.  But, after some thought, I said, “Lord, truly You can’t give me anything but love.  Everything You are and everything You do is completely intertwined with Love.  Even this season of utter quiet is a love gift.”

“It’s always quiet before the storm,” He said. “There is a storm coming but never fear.  I speak to storms and they are turned to calm.  All is well.  You can rest in the midst of any storm if you keep your eyes on Me.  I am the storm maker and the storm taker.  I live in the midst of the storm and only those with eyes to see find Me.

 Rest Beauty, there are more days of unending activity and work ahead.  Rest.  This is a time to drink in peace and know that all is well.  It is not about your circumstances, but the well-being of your heart.

~~~

Regardless of our circumstances, God’s activity in them is 100% based in love.  Love is all He is.  Everything He does is to pour out His love or draw us back to His love.   He disciplines us because He loves us.  He loved us so much He gave His Son to redeem us. Truly, He can’t give us anything but love.

1 John 4:7-8  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.