Beloved : greatly loved; dear to the heart.
When God led me to this word and verse for week 9, it dawned on me that there is a reason God calls us His be-loved not his do-loved.
It reminds me that I don’t have to “do” anything to be loved — by Him.
I just need to know I am loved.
When I live loved…
I can be still in the midst of my striving and know that He is God.
I can find a resting place for my rest-less heart when my concerns start to consume me.
I can stop scurrying and hurrying because my doing doesn’t define me or my worth.
I can rest secure knowing that His banner over me is Love.
You are loved…not because of what you do but because of who you are.
You are HIS {greatly loved, dear to HIS heart} BeLOVED!
***
Our Word for the week: Beloved
Download our word for the week in a PDF or in MSWord. Be sure to print it and post it all over your house or office so you can remember you are God’s be-LOVED, not do-loved!
Let’s live loved in His PROMISE for us this week: “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields [her] all day long, and the one the Lord loves rest between His shoulders.” Deuteronomy 33: 12, NIV
Today’s Assignment: Start or continue reading chapter 9. As you read, highlight or underline things you want to remember or things your heart knows it needs to hear. Take time to journal what God is showing you.
Connecting in Community:
I would love to know what one or two things you’ve read so far in Chapter 9 that you feel God is speaking to your heart about. Are there verses or sentences you’ve underlined or highlighted? Click “share your thoughts” just below this post and do just that. {If you are reading this via email please click here to return to my website to connect with us!}
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Wow. I was introduced to you through Stress Points today and am finally getting the chance to check out your site. This post and these comments from all of you have helped me in my struggle tonight. Like Amy, my name means beloved. Did God know I wasn’t going to realize that I am His beloved so I need the constant reminder? Maybe. Like some of you said above, I see all the words, love and grace on paper, can get it into my brain, but my heart is just not getting it. Depression, anxiety and self injury have been my normal the past six or so years. I love this verse and am going to try to rest secure in Him tonight. Thinking I might have to pick this book up ASAP 🙂
When I read in the book about prolonged stress causing anxiety, and then depression because of chemical imbalance in the body…”bingo” that’s where I am. I’ve had depression in years past from life happenings but not I’ve worked through that and had Christian counseling, etc. Found healing and life was going well until a major change at work (I’ve worked for 20 years for the same doctor), since last June the stress at work has been overwhelming. We now have hired extra help but I’m still feeling the effects, exhausted all the time, not wanting to go out with friends, just want to sleep and rest, so not like me. I knew I wasn’t sad about anything, so didn’t think this was depression, but it’s the same symptoms without the saddness. I’m trying to give my self some slack and get healthy again. I’m so thankful for the insights in the book.
I also realized how much I’ve felt like I had to change who I was to fit into ministry instead of realizing God made me just as I am so I could fill a special spot of ministry he had for me. I’ve not been very open. I love people but have kept a shell up around me. I’m really working on being more open and reaching out to others. It’s amazing how God can use us when we’re not “perfect” but open about who we are and how Godhas worked in our lives.
Well let me say, I too have been overwhelmed with college classes, work – dealing with a small business that has no organization, with another adopted sister (that just came into my life and not to mention workman’s comp and my husband with knowing that when he does or can return to work might be part-time which means I would have no health insurance. So since Monday I have been overwhelmed to say the least. Been doing lots of praying and talking w God, I read this Chapter last night and today have felt peace. Not only have a been calm, but I have not even worried about what might be… the Lord has lifted my spirit, given me hope and a smile on my face again. I to have not made a date for each day to have time with God. So as of today, I will make a date to have quiet time with God, with reading the bible, praying and talking with the Lord, along with songs of praise and with bible studies. I have peace because of the Lord, I have hope and faith because I believe in the Lord, that He is in control and will provide… I have blessings that out way any other situation I may be encountering, all because the Lord loves me. Lifting prayers for all who need time to be with the Lord to have a personal relationship with Him, for with out the Lord we would have nothing. God Bless
Ok, I’m at work crying my eyes out becuase I am overwhelmed with so many concerns and I’ve been discarding all of Rene’s e-mails on “A Confident Heart” because I have the book setting on my night stand and I can read it tonight or tomorrow or . . . but never do because I cannot seem to make the time because I am so exhausted by the end of the evening. Sound familiar ?
Well, I listened to today’s audio on giving my heart’s concerns to the Lord — even writing them down on a note card. Not a new message, but almost a command from the Lord – to regain my Peace (really HIS) and expect God to answer my prayers in His time. What is more important : my worrying and becoming more weary everyday — or spending time with HIM, trusting HIM to do immeasurably beyond what I can even imagine or hope for ? Please y’all pray for me – that I enjoy spending more time with my Lord than worrying and doing —– so I can see God move in my life once again and in the life of my family, Love y’all Sharon
I have been out of the loop for a little while but thankfully am feeling better and finishing up chapter 8. I just want to say that I feel like this book has been such a blessing for me. I have felt such doubt and carried so much weight from my past that I often feel so defeated as an individual, Wife and Mommy. I have lately been praying about my career path once my children start school. Even though I have two degrees currently I am now at the age of 31 thinking of taking a different path. Not sure if it’s self doubt telling I can’t do what I went to school for or God leading me in a different direction. I guess I will just need to pray and be patient for an answer or direction. Reading chapter 8 has made realize some of my strengths and weaknesses by comparing the traits listed in the personality charts. And has I was reading the out loud to myself I thought you know it is wonderful that God loves me for my strengths but mostly for my weaknesses bc those are the moments that I can seek His love and unending grace and forgiveness. I had surgery about a month ago and it was difficult on my husband, children, and myself. I do not have a high pain tolerance so it was tough some days but each time I felt weak or pain I just closed my eyes and prayed. I had terrible anxiety about it all but I gave those feelings to God, really gave them to Him for the first time in my life. Many times I have prayed for help but still wanted to feel in control myself but this time I could not so I just prayed and prayed. And I felt peace and I knew that I would just lean on Him to get me through! So each chapter has brought me closer to the Lord. My son will be having surgery next so I will be leaning once again on the Lord to take control of that which I cannot.