The moon was massive and brilliant last night. The last full moon of the year. It reminds me that even in the dead of winter is a time for harvest, for fruit, for fulfillment in the name of Jesus.
Ephesians tells of the height, depth, width, length—the sheer grandness of God’s love for us. Even when the world is dark and bleak, the Lord will not forget us. He says, “I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:15)
God’s heart is to bring us back. To inspire us to actively receive his gift of love. John 1:12 speaks to this, that in this way we could become children of God. Romans 10:9-13 speaks to this, that in this way we would be saved. The whole Bible speaks to this, that in this way we would be made right with God.
When I looked upon the moon last night, my heart opened. I longed to reach out and hold it, or lay in its light as if it were the bright summer sun. In a much greater sense, I experience a similar desire when I look upon the heart of God. David wrote words that stir in my own heart centuries later:
“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.” (Psalm 63:1-6)
I have seen his faithfulness. When I was broken, he healed me. When I was dead, he raised me to life. And now I sit in reflection of the grace God has shown me and the goodness he has given me. He fiercely loves all of his children, even the ones who don’t love him yet. Under the full moon he created, I am at peace knowing his love to be true.