Beloved of God

Quietly, over a number of months, I fell into the bad habit of allowing myself to be dragged down into a pit of worry and despair.

I began to worry even when I had nothing to worry about. This habit led to pessimism that was not helpful to me, my family or others around me.

By grace, I found Luke 3:21–22, in which John baptises people.

God’s Holy Spirit descends on Jesus in the form of a dove, and a voice speaks directly to Jesus saying, ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’ (Luke 3:22). In this profound moment, Jesus’ identity was confirmed.

These days, when worry and doubt begin to assail me, I have a new way of dealing with them.

Over and over again I repeat these words: ‘You are my beloved. With you I am well pleased.’ In a world of distraction and noise, I find it helpful to remember that God loves me.

When times get tough and the world seems to weigh us down, we can remind each other that we are God’s beloved children. And God is pleased with us.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for Jesus Christ, through whom we have all been called your beloved. Amen