When was the last time we were overwhelmed by God’s love for us?

I was recently at a church prayer meeting and a brother in the Lord was sharing about how he had been reflecting on God’s faithfulness to him, even amidst various forms of trials he had gone through. As he recounted God’s goodness, he gently broke down in tears. It was a powerful moment.

It got me thinking: when was the last time I was deeply moved to tears over the reality of God’s love or faithfulness?

The person went on to share a well known and popular worship song:

I love You, Lord
Oh, Your mercy never failed me
And all my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
Oh, I have lived in the goodness of God, oh-oh-oh

And all my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

I think I can remember one of the last times I was moved to tears, and funnily enough it was whilst that song was playing in the car as I drove home from Linwood to Perthshire following the death of my grandmother. I had just spent a week or so helping to care for her as she spent her last days battling cancer in her own home. I had an opportunity to be present with her, pray with her, read scripture to her and to lead her in a prayer of repentance and faith in Christ just before she died. As I drove home, the faithfulness of God was a tangible reality.

As I write this, I’m reminded of a prayer that Paul wrote for all Christians at all times:

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Eph. 3:17–19)

I’ve read these words countless times, maybe you have too, but tonight they are stopping me in my tracks.

What would it feel like if this prayer was answered in my life, right now? What would it look like in your life, if God answered this prayer, even a tiny bit?

Would we fall down face first, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the revelation? Would we burst out in praise?

As I meditate on this, I’m reminded of another song, and whilst it’s speaking of seeing Jesus face to face when we go to be with the Lord, I think the principle is also true when we reflect on Paul’s prayer. If Paul’s prayer were to become a deeper reality in our life, how would we respond? One thing I’m certain of, it couldn’t be a stoic indifference.

The Song I’m thinking of says:

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes would see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine
Yeah

Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine

There is perhaps only one part of the song I don’t agree with — and it’s the title and tag line “I can only imagine”. I don’t think that’s true. I think we can actually know. And the reason we can know is because it is possible to have a foretaste of heaven here on earth. How we respond to the revelation of God’s love and presence on earth, is an indication of how we will respond in eternity.

Am I really on my way to heaven, if I’m completely unmoved by God’s love and grace here on earth? Will I really taste the eternal joy of glory, if I’m too overwhelmed by the cares of this world or the desire for other things? (Mark 4) According to Saint Peter, it is possible for us to know the eternal joy of the Lord even now:

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, (1 Peter 1:8)

Lord, forgive me for where I’ve become indifferent to your grace and love. Let me never lose sight of the wonder of salvation. Lord, relight the fire of first love deep in my spirit, in Jesus’ name.

Again, as I type these words, another song comes to mind, this time from Keith Green:

Oh Lord, you’re beautiful,
Your face is all I seek,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.

Oh Lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear.
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burns with Holy fear.

I want to take your word and shine it all around.
But first help me to just, live it Lord.
And when I’m doing well, help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to you.

Oh Lord, you’re beautiful,
Your face is all I seek,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.

I want to take your word and shine it all around.
But first help me to just, live it Lord.
And when I’m doing well, help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to you.