"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Romans 8:35-39

 January 26

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Paul in Romans 8:35-39 (RSV)

Separation anxiety is an increasingly common condition in our modern culture as more parents work and children are often left at day care or with unknown babysitters. It is a condition where those suffering from it become anxious, fearful, depressed, and unable to engage in or enjoy normal activities. Treatment is by medication or counseling but is often unsuccessful unless the object of the sufferer's love and adoration is restored. Likewise, we can become anxious about being separated from God and fearful of situations or events that might do this. Yet Paul the apostle proclaims in his letter to the Romans that 17 different things we usually fear the most can NEVER separate us form the love of God which is present in Christ if he is your Lord. This is amazing!

Today's text reaffirms God's profound love for you and all his people. You don't ever need to suffer from separation anxiety in regard to God. No matter what happens, no matter where you are, you can never be separated from God's all-powerful love. Even suffering can't separate you from God! But it can help you to identify with Christ even more and allow God's love to heal you. These verses are among the most comforting promises in the Bible. Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms including persecution, illness, rejection, etc. These sometimes cause us to fear we may have been abandoned by God. But Paul reassures us it is impossible to be separated from God. Jesus' sacrificial death for you is proof of His infinite love. Nothing can separate you from Christ! May you feel totally secure in him. If you believe these amazing assurances, there is no need to be afraid!

Prayer: God, Thank you nothing can ever separate us. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: God's love is stronger than death.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Fall Renewal (Volume 3) Paperback – August 23, 2017

by Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson (Author)