To all the students who are stressing about next year, to all the men trying to find a job so they can pay bills for their family, to all the women who are up to their ears in work, laundry, and trying to take care of everyone, and to all the grandparents who are busy worrying over their grandchildren: I just want remind you...God loves you.

I know your lives are probably very crazy right now, planning vacations, working extra shifts to pay for said vacations, connecting with family, and scrambling to clean your house 30 minutes before the in-laws arrive. But I just wanted to take a moment to remind you that God loves you, that you are special, and you are strong enough to survive your crazy life.

I know the phrase "God loves you" is a common phrase that is often barely acknowledged. But it is so more than some passive catch-phrase. That one little phrase is packed to the brim with power, peace, strength, and protection. It's a promise and a pledge. When God loves someone, it's not some flimsy passive love that's there to offer a boost of encouragement or a nice hug at the end of the day. Think of one thing in this world that you love most. Now take away any wavering doubts, any impatience, or uncompassionate thoughts. Now multiply that times a billion. That's a speck of the amount of love God has for you. Yes, you.

Just like there is power in the name of Jesus, there is also power in the love of God. A spiritual, active, power. And with that love comes peace and joy. God's love for you is a most precious and priceless gift, and it shows just how amazing and special you are to Him. So as you are going about your day today, I just wanted to you take a moment remember how the King of Kings loves and adores you. Yes, you. Just as you are, despite all your imperfections. So have a blessed day, and go forward with the peace and love of God on your mind.

Ephesians 2:4-5 "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (NIV)

Zephaniah 3:17 -

"The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing." (ESV)