"Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you." (New Century Version)
"That's how much you mean to me!
That's how much I love you!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you." (the Message)
"Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give nations in exchange for you,
and peoples in exchange for your life." (Today's New International Version)
This verse speaks to me in a way I can't even explain. There is a truth here that I am desperate to hold. I, Joy am precious and honored in God's sight. It's a humbling thought. It's a life-altering thought. BECAUSE he loves me... because HE loves me he will give nations for my life, he would sell the whole world to get ME back. This thought brings tears to my eyes... I can't contain myself. How could I possibly feel unnecessary? Unworthy? Unloved? These are the truths... I am precious. I am honored. I am loved. I am worth more than nations... more than the world. It's almost inconceivable... almost unbelievable. If I have faith for nothing else... if amid the chaos and frustration of my current journey I can hold on to only one thing, it is this. I am loved. He would do anything to have me. How can I not receive this love?
God, while I struggle to understand and comprehend this truth, I thank you for Your love... I thank you for Your patience with me and for being there when I turn around... keep bringing me in. I love Your presence. Abide in this house... in my life... in my children's lives. Only You can restore the wounded... only You can rebuild.
