Even in the Fall

Each time I think about it, I realize that there’s something deeply comforting about the way a father reaches out to catch his child when they’re about to fall.

Maybe the little one is learning to walk and suddenly misses a step, or perhaps they’re about to run into something dangerous without realizing it; no matter how distracted the father may be, his arms are always ready, strong, and available. He doesn’t pause to calculate if the child deserves the rescue; he just moves.

Because that’s what love does.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.

Psalm 103:13 (NIV)

It’s a picture I can’t get out of my mind, not just because it’s beautiful, but because it reminds me of how God moves toward us. We stumble so often, don’t we?

Sometimes it’s a slip caused by fear, other times it’s a fall brought on by disobedience or tiredness. But regardless of the cause, His arms are always there. Not hesitant. Not withholding. Just there, ready to catch, to hold, to heal.

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

(NIV)

God’s love doesn’t move with our emotions, our mistakes, or even our understanding of Him. It is steady when we are shaky, full when we are empty, and near when we feel far. 

His love is not reactive, it is consistent. He doesn’t wait until we “get it right” to offer affection, He loved us while we were still broken, and that love hasn’t shifted, not for a second. We just need to always receive it.

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 (NIV)

There are days you feel you’ve outrun His grace. Days when your doubts are louder than your level of faith and your questions feel heavier than your prayers. But even then, His love remains. 

Not out of duty, not out of pity, but out of the deep, relentless nature of who He is, He is love and because of that, we are never beyond reach.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

So, if today you find yourself falling, failing, or feeling forgotten, remember the Father whose arms are always outstretched. 

His love didn’t start when you began to believe and it certainly doesn’t end when you struggle to hold on. His love is the one thing in your life that will never, ever change.

Shalom!