The older I get the more I’m struck by how our childhood experiences mold us — sometimes in bad ways that make it hard for us to accept what God has said. Our emotions get in the way, and we end up believing them instead of God’s Word. The only way out is to trust God’s promises instead of the lies our emotions try to tell us.

Yes, it’s a staggering truth: God loves us, in spite of the fact that we are sinners who deserve only His judgment. And the ultimate proof of God’s love is that He sent His Son into the world to save us. The Bible says, “This how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9). Memorize that verse, and quote it to yourself every time you wonder if God loves you.

It’s easy, I know, for us to doubt God’s love. A personal tragedy, the unexpected death of a loved one, a devastating illness, a broken marriage, the loss of a job … almost any reversal can make us wonder if God really cares.

But He does care — and the proof is Jesus, who willingly left heaven’s glory to die for us. If you had been the only person on earth who needed to be saved, He still would have died for you. Thank Him for His love, and keep your eyes on Him whenever doubts come.