The One Thing We Can Be Sure Of
Why is it that when faced with two possible outcomes, we seem to naturally gravitate toward the worst‑case scenario? We hear rainstorm, we think full‑blown hurricane. When we hear cold season, we think pneumonia. And if we receive a delayed text response, we think something must be wrong.
The word that describes this unhealthy type of projection is catastrophizing. And sadly, even the most faith‑filled among us are prone to it. But it isn’t helpful or healthy—not to mention that it leads to worry, stress, and anxiety. This is sobering news. Yet there is good news. There is a better way. It’s not about thinking positively, but it does require thinking rightly.
And this is exactly where the apostle Paul meets us in Romans 8. Writing to believers in his own day—yet still speaking to us today—he gently confronts our faulty focus by asking a sobering question, offering a higher perspective, and giving us an empowering affirmation.
Let’s begin with the question: “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?” (Romans 8:35).
This is a worthy question. But to answer it effectively, we need a bit of background. You see, prior to posing the question, Paul had been rehearsing several stellar truths about God: that He is for us, that He graciously gives us all we need, that He intercedes for us, and that He is always working for our good.
And in light of all these outstanding realities, Paul is essentially saying this: no matter what happens—no matter how bad things may get, no matter what loss or heartache we might face—none of these things could ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This is a truth that cannot be altered or undone. It is, in fact, the one thing we can always be sure of.
Next let’s look at the perspective: “In all these things we have complete victory through Christ who loves us.” (Romans 8:37)
This declaration also needs a bit of unpacking. Here’s why. You see, if anyone ever understood the reality of “all things,” it was certainly Paul. In fact, when he speaks of trouble, hardship, persecution, danger, and even death, he isn’t theorizing, he’s remembering. Paul personally experienced beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, betrayals, hunger, sleepless nights, and constant threats. If anyone ever had reason to catastrophize, it was certainly Paul.
Yet his perspective is startling. He doesn’t say we have victory after these things or apart from these things, but in all these things. In other words, the presence of difficulty does not signal the absence of God’s love. Our circumstances may change, but God’s love for us never will.
And finally, let’s look at the affirmation: “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God…” (Romans 8:39).
This was the truth Paul was absolutely convinced of—the one thing he was completely assured of: God’s love for him. And this is astonishing when we consider all he endured.
Yet it’s for this very reason I’m led to believe he regularly rehearsed this truth, reminding himself again and again so that in his darkest moments he would never doubt how deeply God loved him.
This same outrageous truth applies to us today. The same unchanging, faithful God who loved Paul with an unbreakable love loves us in this very same way.
So today, let’s take great courage together, knowing we are loved by a perfect Father and no challenge, trial, hardship, or difficulty you or I may ever face can alter this truth.
Nothing can—and nothing will—ever separate us from God’s love.
This is the one thing we can always be sure of.
Pray
Father God, thank You for loving me with a perfect love that can never be shaken or taken from me. When my mind fixates on worry or fear, draw me back to the reality of Your consistent, persistent love. Help me rest in Your promises, trust Your heart, and remember that nothing can—and nothing will—ever separate me from You or from Your love. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Reflect
Where in your life are you most tempted to "catastrophize" right now? How might remembering God’s unbreakable love help reshape your perspective?
Friends, I’d love to hear your experience! Feel free to share your responses in the comment section below, or with me and others HERE!