We see the world reeling in panic and confusion over the spread of the coronavirus. Governments are scrambling to stabilize their countries and infuse their people with hope and peace. And it’s necessary that they take practical measures to ensure the well-being of their people.
But as believers, where do we find our stability in an age of anxiety? What is the source of our joy and peace today? Romans 15:13 says that our joy and peace come from the God of hope in believing Him and His word. And what specifically do we need to believe in as the world comes undone? We need to believe in the incomprehensibly marvelous love of Christ for us.
In Eph 3:14-19, Paul lays out his prayer for the Ephesian believers. And the peak of his prayer is this: Jesus Christ loves us. He prays that all the saints together would know, through His Spirit in us by faith, “what is breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love for us. He also prays that we would know “the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge.”
Christ’s love for us is massive – it covers everyone, every situation, lasts forever, and fills us even when we sin. It knows no bounds. And Christ’s love is insearchable – we can know it by faith, we can grasp it to some degree, but even in that, we are face to face with the limitations of our finite minds. How can we begin to grasp the infinite love of God the Son dying for our sins against His infinite holiness? We run out of thoughts and words trying to wrap our minds around this truth.
But it is true; it is the loveliest and most stabilizing truth of all. Jesus loves me. I know this because He died for me, He rose again for me, and I am permanently united with Him in all those realities. In fact, He is my life! (Col 3:4)
When I believe this truth, it frees me from fear. How? If I know that Jesus is passionately loving me every moment of my life, whether I’m doing well or not, I don’t have to be concerned about myself anymore. He’s got me covered on all sides for all situations. And if die, I’ll be instantaneously transported into His presence where the vastness and unsearchableness of His love will engulf me in tidal waves of glory for all eternity. There is nothing like the love of Christ to stabilize us in times of anxiety.
So, let’s keep considering that love in our minds; praying it until our hearts glow with affection for Christ; and sharing it with one another as it spills out of our hearts.
