If there is one thing everyone in this world needs it is to be loved. Yet so many people go through life without the strengthening and blessed knowledge that someone loves them greatly.

A dear friend of mine had a marvellous marriage that lasted for over 60 years. I recall being out for lunch with him one day after the funeral of his beloved wife.

As we sat chatting, my friend looked at me and said, "Gordon I buried my heart with Debbie. Life seems pointless now that she is gone." It was only 6 months after his wife passed away that he too left for heaven.  Losing the love of such a beautiful and gracious person as Debbie was too much for him to endure. He died of a broken heart.

This is what is so remarkable about being loved by God. He will never leave us nor will He forsake us. That is His promise (Hebrews 13:5). Also we read in many places in Scripture tender and heart warming expressions of the love of God for His people. Our verse today is a great example of how the Lord gently addresses His children.

One of the greatest themes God has for expressing His love is seen in the passages where He tells us of the sacrifice He made to bring us to Himself. Perhaps the most familiar verse in all of Scripture is John 3:16. See the degree of God's love for you as it tells you of the price God paid to make you His child.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NIV)

God loved you so very much that He was willing to have His beloved Son come and die to redeem you from your sins. What comfort and encouragement this is to reflect on—the amazing love of God for His people. Will this not satisfy you as you mourn the loss of your loved one? Can this truth keep you strong in this life as you walk on alone?

Perhaps you have never enjoyed the love of a life partner. God may have required you to live a lonely life. Such a situation is indeed painful and difficult. Remind the Lord of the promise that says that His love would be lavished on you through the Holy Spirit. Read the following to encourage you to pray:

"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:5 (NIV)

If you belong to the Lord you are seen as "precious" by Him. He "honours" you with His love. He rejoices over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). May your sorrow today be turned into joy tomorrow, as you are led back to Scripture and the great promises there for you to claim as a child of God.