God’s calming presence is a most welcome reality in our noisy world. He serenades those he loves. He rejoices that we belong to him. 

This is a good verse to memorize. Someone is going to theologize your doom and just dessert of God’s wrath. Someone is going to declare God’s anger. Someone is going to tell you he is about to unleash his judgment on you. 

Remember this verse. Remember who God is. 

Remember 1 John 4:8-10: 

The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Remember Romans 1:18, 19 that helps us understand the nature and purpose of God’s wrath: 

For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them.

Those who deliberately obscure God’s goodness and grace, his mercy and compassion, and who unrepentantly promote harmful and hurtful behavior and lifestyles are the ones on the wrong end of God’s wrath. God wants everyone to come to him for salvation and a deep and abiding relationship with himself. 

When we follow Jesus, we find the grace and strength we need for every step. We find rest and restoration. We find hope and peace. We find the life called Good. 

When we are afraid or wounded, worried or uncertain, we can know his thoughts toward us, thoughts of life and peace. Look up Psalm 139:16, 17. Ponder Jeremiah 29:11. Reflect on Romans 8:28, 29. Learn to live Ephesians 2:10. Consider 2 Peter 1:3, 4. 

Avoid spiritual spoil-sports. Indulge yourself in God’s enveloping love. He will affirm his delight in you and calm your soul.

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I will rejoice in the God who rejoices over me.

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Our Father, thank you for loving us more than we deserve and better than we could expect. Thank you that we are never out of your care. Thank you for your calming, reassuring presence. Thank you for your presence, guidance, and provision. We belong to you. Amen.