Words like those in Romans 8:35-39 tend to come to mind and comfort us in deep hardship, like when facing death, demons, uncertain futures, and the depths suffering.
But it isn’t just the “negatives” of life we feel keep us from God.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?…..
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Life, angels, the ordinary, happy present, and the heights of creation are all able to form wedges between us and the love of God. But nothing is a match for the glory of our Lord and His faithfulness to keeping those who belong to Him.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God…
1. Not Life or Death
Can life test our faith as much as death? Yes. We are so easily caught up in our busy schedules, our desires, and the many things we consider important. Excessive focus on life in this world so quickly leads us from a right perspective of God. Solomon had it right: “everything under the sun is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Everything under God, however, is worthwhile. “Life” as we live it cannot get in the way of His love.
2. Not Angels or Demons
Heavenly beings and influences, like miracles or specific calls on our lives, so often bewilder and beguile us. Our righteousness and spiritual blessings, just as much as our encounters with evil, can be twisted to divert our praise and confuse our goals. But God’s steadfast love will withstand even through the ups and downs of spiritual experiences.
3. Not the Present or Future
For the worriers of the world, the future is always an ominous fear. For the dreamers of the world, the present is never quite satisfying. Each of us with our unique personality and outlook is easily swayed in some way by the perception of time. Our Lord set time in motion and is sovereign over all things in all times, whether we find the season good or bad (Genesis 1, 2 Peter 3:8).
4. Not Height or Depth
Sharing “highs and lows” is popular in youth groups. Everyone understands the basic concept: some things in life are “highs” –they are great and exciting. Others are “lows”- full of pain and difficulty. Our Lord isn’t just with us and active when we recognize that we need Him in the “depths” of life. He is at work in the “highs”. Praise the Lord that no matter how great things seem, we are never separated from the giver of all good things (James 1:17).
Truly nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord –not the worst of times, and certainly not the best of times.
God doesn’t just show up in our tragedies, like a bad weather friend. God delights in raising up as His children through our most glorious moments and seasons too.
Perhaps most awe-worthy of all: if nothing horrible and nothing extraordinary can separate us from the love of God, nothing in between can either.
On the ordinary, okayest days, His love is just as true, strong, and life-sustaining.
On the ordinary, okayest days, His love is just as true, strong, and life-sustaining. Click To TweetWe have nothing to fear in the good, the bad, and the in-between.
{This post was originally published on My Faith Radio}
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Somehow I never noticed that–you’re right, people usually focus on the negatives of this passage. But the high points can be just as distracting. The “cares of this life” can “choke” the word, as Jesus said. And I love the thought that if the highs or lows can’t separate us from God’s love, neither can anything in-between.
His love is so all-encompassing! So glad to see you here and dwell on that glorious truth together! Thanks for coming by.
“If nothing horrible and nothing extraordinary can separate us from the love of God, nothing in between can either.” Very well said! Wishing you a happy Wednesday and thank you for hosting.
Thanks for coming by and participating! Happy Wednesday to you too. Praise God that nothing can separate includes everything and anything!
Bethany, love how you unpacked this familiar passage in a new light. Amen to this; “On the ordinary, okayest days, His love is just as true, strong, and life-sustaining.”
It’s one of my favorite passages, Karen! Thanks for your encouragement! Amen!!
Bethany, I love your encouragement here. Sometimes we get wrapped up looking for God in the highs or wondering where He is in the lows, but He is in all the things — even the “okay days!”
Thanks, Becky! Glad to see you here. Amen- he is in all the things!
In this roller coaster year, we need words of hope to level out our emotions. Thanks for all the ways you serve your readers to this end!
Michele, so thankful for your encouragement and presence here. So thankful we can find that steady hope and leveling in Him!
Such a comforting aspect of our relationship with Him. Thank you.
Thank you, Lauren! Glad to see you here.
Thank you, Bethany for this post! This is one of my favorite passages, so comforting to me in times of trial. But you are so right, times of trial aren’t the only things that can form a wedge between us and the love of God. So often I can become enamored with things that make me happy. I call them my foolish treasures, because Jesus is the only true treasure and I am missing that when I allow myself to be drawn away so easily!
Thank you! This is one of my favorite passages too. I like that term you use- foolish treasures! Amen. May we find out treasure in Him!
Bethany, I’d missed the highs in this passage. But that lines up with Jesus teaching that the deceitfulness of riches can choke out our faith. Great insights. Thank you.
Thanks for the encouragement, Debbie!
Thank you for helping me see this passage in a new light, Bethany. (You are good at doing that, by the way!) So comforting to remember that God is with us in all the in-between spaces.
Aw, thank you, Lois! That encourages me so much. So grateful God is in the in-betweens too!