He Loves You

I'm in love with you,

although you may not understand why.

I've known you forever,

before a star was in the sky.

I was thinking of you before creation

with a big smile across My face.

I knew this world would have trouble,

but you'd be the object of My love & grace.

In your mother's womb

I was right by your side.

Knitting you together,

I gleamed with joy and pride.

The day you entered the world

My gladness overflowed.

I breathed in you My breath of life

and carried you along life's road.

The journey hasn't always been easy,

but I long to see you through.

Not a day has been shielded from My eyes,

with My love continually shining through.

I saw your first steps

and rejoiced as you moved along.

I thought of our future walking together closely,

when you'd know My name and join Me in song.

I was your Father throughout your childhood,

even when everything else seemed unfair.

I held your hand and embraced you in sadness,

when no one else seemed to care.

As you learned to talk and grow,

you resembled a flower in bloom.

Your beauty and innocence shown everywhere

and reached Me as sweet perfume.

The day someone first told you of Me

will always be a joyous memory in my heart.

With childlike faith you embraced Me quickly

and never wanted to part.

We were the best of friends for a while.

Simple Sunday school helped you grasp My truth.

You knew I would never leave your side

and you eventually, of course, entered your youth.

It wasn't a surprise when you walked away.

I saw it coming a long time before.

The world and its reasoning seemed easier to believe,

and with all its supposed "fun," God was just a "bore."

I still loved you far beyond measure,

so of course those days broke My heart.

Not only because I missed you,

but I knew you were tearing yourself apart.

I saw all the things you went through --

all your searching for scraps of love and fun.

Each person and experience gave you a high,

but once over, you were more empty than you'd begun.

Of course I do not approve of sin,

but I also saw much deeper into your ways.

I saw your desperation for anything to soothe your pain

and it hurt to see you tortured in this world's endless maze.

My love continued reaching out those days,

with open arms waiting for you to return.

I was ecstatic when you remembered Me --

the true Love you never have to earn.

I remember you running back into My arms --

another such glorious, long-awaited day.

I know you felt ashamed and undeserving My embrace,

but, My child, My love never went away.

Though you felt unworthy to return and receive

a love so unconditional, extravagant, and free,

I wanted to lavish you with gifts and celebration

because, My precious child, you still belong to Me.

Quite some time has gone by since then,

with many tests and trials you've endured.

You've tried to keep Me in your focus at most times,

but shame often keeps you from knowing My love is assured.

It's okay to struggle and sometimes fall.

it builds up your faith and makes you strong.

You learn to depend on My grace and strength

and know My love won't vanish in a moment of "wrong."

I know it's sometimes hard to believe an unseen God

and especially fathom My deep love.

But I'm closer than the breath that you breathe,

and not just some distant Being floating above.

Flowers, laughter, and sunshine seem sweet,

but are merely dim expressions of My love already outdone.

My adoration is more real than anything you see.

Its ultimate expression was seen through My Son.

I know you've grown up hearing the story,

but think back quickly once more.

When Jesus was beaten for your broken ways,

love was the garment He wore.

All the things you're ashamed of

or hope will never be found out,

the Holy One lovingly desired to assume them

because you, My child, We never wanted to live without.

He thought of you through the beatings.

He thought of you through the thorns.

You were His joy set before Him

as He endured the nails, insults, and scorns.

The enormity of all these words takes time to grasp,

but love has no greater expression so strong and true.

Those nails were not holding Him to the cross that day,

but only His intense, undying love for you.

So although life may still seem crazy at times,

remember, I've loved you from the start.

The same love Jesus showed that day

continually pours out of My heart.

This love is screaming out

and that's never going to change.

I know sometimes it's hard to hear,

but I'm truly not out of range.

I know you sometimes still feel undeserving

and cannot believe or hear the sincerity of My voice,

but one day the clouds of lies will fade away

and, oh, how you will rejoice!

So please, My child, know that you are loved

more than you can completely fathom or comprehend.

And even when you cannot feel My intensity,

know that I AM Love, and you are My dear friend.