Dearly Beloved

"The beloved of the LORD rests in safety—the High God surrounds him
all day long—the beloved rests between his shoulders." Deuteronomy 33:12

     In a world so often full of bad news, here is some good news. Even in the chaos and difficulties, God is carrying your burdens and concerns, for you are dearly beloved by the Most High God. God's shoulders are broad indeed, and quite capable of helping you find moments of rest and spiritual refreshment even in the midst of negativity, obstacles, and seemingly insurmountable odds.

     If I can only offer one word of hope to sustain and strengthen you for the days ahead, it is the word, "beloved." I want you to memorize this one thought-you are God's dearly beloved child. You must cling to this hope daily, hourly, and even minute by minute and with every breath. Living or dying, you are God's precious, cherished offspring. In God's heart, you are valued and special. External circumstances cannot take God's love away from you.

     Do not allow yourself to forget this priceless truth even if experiencing fuel shortages and riots, when standing in long queues in the hopes of being able to buy food, or as you search for the most basic of necessities. Refuse to succumb to feelings of futility when encountering Zimbabwe's massive inflation, or despair when you are unable to find or buy food. Cling to your belovedness in the face of growing violence and lawlessness. Comfort others as you live as God's dearly beloved child.

     Take on a new name today as God's greatest gift to you. I pray this will be a source of ongoing inspiration for your present circumstances and future challenges. Names are deeply significant for they describe who we are and our destiny. Names are carefully chosen, for they convey blessing and picture a future for each person. Add "dearly beloved" to your name. Write it down and read your new name as a daily reminder when you pray. Commit your new name to memory. When life is difficult, meditate on the power of your name: "Dearly Beloved."

     In the days ahead, take courage. While there is life, there is always hope. God has not forgotten or forsaken you. Rather, God is carrying you as a dearly beloved child and surrounds you with empowering, loving holy presence. Remember that God is nearer to you than your own breathing, closer than your hands and feet.

Prayer: Most High God, let me rest my burdens on your broad and caring shoulders today. Help me live my life as your dearly beloved child and share my belovedness with all who come my way. Bring relief to the suffering and hope to the citizens of Zimbabwe. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
January 9, 2003
Permission is given to freely distribute this reflection throughout Zimbabwe, along with all resources posted on http://soulfoodministry.org.