This is amazing! He created everything out of nothing. He threw the universe into existence. He caused the sun to rise and set and has done it every day since he set the earth into motion. He created man and every living thing.

And he loves you.

The God of the universe, the Lord and creator of all, loves you. If that isn’t downright shocking, I don’t know what is.

Sometimes I pinch myself to realize this truth. I can wander through my day without ever thinking about his everlasting, sacrificial, deep, unchanging love for me. When I do stop and ponder it, my heart announces, “This is fabulous!”

He loves us so much that, when you and I accepted his gift of salvation, he adopted us into his family. Really? Why you? Why me? Certainly not because we deserved to be adopted, but because he chose us. He chose to shower his love on us as a Father.

Years ago, there I was, ignoring God and living for myself. Out of the blue, he decided to adopt me. He did the same for you.

Be encouraged by these loving benefits as God’s adopted child:

Eternal life. You get to live with him forever. This adoption is permanent.

Acceptance. You don’t have to earn his love, just like your kids don’t have to earn yours.

Forgiveness. Good-bye guilt. Hello peace of mind. When you accepted God’s gift of his Son and confessed your sins, you were forgiven. Forever.

Family. You’re part of the biggest family ever. Every other person who has been adopted by God is your brother and sister. You share some pretty high privileges.

Wise, loving direction. God offers his wisdom to you whenever you need it.

Known. Every hair on your head is numbered by God. He sees you as an individual and knows your every desire and thought.

Care. Like a shepherd cares for his sheep, you’re cared for by God, day and night.

Blessings. Your blessings as a family member are too many to list here. But try these for starters:  peace, hope, inheritance and the Holy Spirit inside you.

Faithfulness. One thing you always can count on is God’s faithfulness. Here’s just one example: “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV)

God isn’t a force far away. He is personal. He is a loving Daddy who is near to you. Take a few minutes and reflect on your encouraging privileges as an adopted child of the Heavenly Father.

(From my new devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Encouragement. Available from Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions.)