Did you hear God say, "I love you" last week?

If not, perhaps you'll hear it today.

Your greatest need, whether you recognize it or not, is love.  You expend vast amounts of energy seeking to be loved.  You want to be appreciated, respected, looked up to, cherished, befriended, approved, valued, etc.  Like me, you probably also get caught seeking to satisfy this need apart from God.  At times I easily forget  the only place where my greatest need is met.  This is why you have to read Isaiah 43, to hear straight from God's mouth that He loves us, that He loves you (see verse 4).  Then take a moment to circle all the ways in chapter 43 that you see God's love for His people, and for you too.

I overheard an interview this weekend of the lead singer from Tenth Avenue North.  He said that so often we look for God's love in the circumstances of our lives.  Meaning we feel that God loves us because of a certain provision that day, or a way that He blessed us.  Then he profoundly pointed out that we should look, not at circumstances, but at what God has done on the cross.

The greatest expression of God's love for you has already been spoken.  Jesus Christ on the cross is the biggest, loudest, most affirming "I love you" that has ever been communicated.  It is Christ's sacrifice that is the entire reason why you can read Isaiah 43:4 and hear that verse as words spoken to you.  Don't let your circumstances, whatever they might be, blind you from the reality and intensity of God's love for you in Christ Jesus.