God’s Love in the Ordinary Places - The Crosswalk Devotional - February 11
God’s Love in the Ordinary Places
By Sarah Frazer
Bible Reading:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” - Psalm 136:1
No one saw me most days. After my first child was born, I quit my teaching job and decided to stay home. Within four-and-a-half years, I had three little ones. Raising children at home is still a lot of work, but many days I wondered if anyone noticed all of the little, ordinary things I did.
Things like the dishes, planning meals, cleaning up toys, and the endless piles of laundry. As a young college girl, I had dreamed of doing great things for God, but I also wanted motherhood. Could motherhood be grand and glorious? During that season, I leaned into the idea that the ordinary, everyday moments could be glorious.
Within the regular rhythms of my life, I began to seek God in His word. I took online classes on how to study the Bible, even earning a degree. As I raised my children, loving them in the daily routine of life, I began to also see that God’s love for me was the same.
In order for God to love me more, I thought maybe I had to do more. Instead, God’s love meets us right where we are - in the quiet, ordinary, everyday life. In a way, God has shown His love in the most extraordinary way—through the cross. Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven have sealed our eternity and given us new lives and purposes here on earth. It is truly a magnificent source of comfort when we think about this powerful example of God’s love.
But when life feels quiet, repetitive, or unremarkable, we may wonder, “Where is God’s love now?” In Psalm 23:6, David says that God’s loving mercy will follow him “all the days of my life.” Not just the grand days, but the daily grind as well. Not just the milestones, but the quiet mornings filled with routine. During our responsibilities and routines, God’s love quietly and completely follows us.
The word “follow” suggests activity, not passivity. God’s love is present, and it pursues us! Psalm 55 reminds us that no one seeks God, but God seeks us! His love also follows close by us. It is not a distant love or occasional love. It walks with us, holds our hand, and never leaves.
The idea of God’s love walking with us is found in other Bible verses as well. In Micah 6:8, we read, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” God is calling everyone to walk with Him, in His love! The Bible often describes faith not as a leap, but as a walk. As we walk with God and in His love, we are constantly moving, changing, and going.
God’s love consistency shows us for us - no matter the season or life circumstance. You can’t walk through anything in this life without God’s love. Step by step, day by day, God’s love can be experienced over and over again.
Psalm 136:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” God’s love is enduring. Forever!
As a new mom, I would always have to refill my children’s juice cups. Over time, I realized that my spiritual cup was constantly running dry as well. It was during those moments when I felt weak, tired, and empty that I needed God’s love to fill me up! His love has no end. Unlike human love, which can grow tired or fade under pressure, God’s love is full and everlasting.
God’s love is available on days we feel empty and have nothing to give. When sorrow fills our hearts, we can run to the God of love.
You and I can come to God on ordinary days, weary days, and dark days. All of God’s love is always available. Each day gives us a fresh reminder of His love for us. We are not asked to endure our sorrow with yesterday's strength or tomorrow’s hope; God’s love supplies what we need for today.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Our lives are filled with mundane moments. How can you remember God’s love each day? It is often a quiet, soft love. Look for moments like a beautiful sky or the bright sunshine. Maybe you have a pet or a friend who is constantly checking in on you. Let those reminders be there to help you thank God for His love for you. Scripture is a great place to be reminded of God’s love. Take the additional reading section and read a few verses each day this week to help yourself be reminded of God’s extraordinary love in the ordinary moments.
Further Reading:
Deuteronomy 33:12
Psalm 90:14
Isaiah 46:4
John 1:16
Romans 8:38-39
How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/skynesher
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
