Neither height nor depth

Devotional

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

We have all had moments when we wonder if God has stepped back, if his love has somehow loosened its grip on us. In our text today, Paul, writing out of his own trials, makes a bold declaration: “I am convinced.”

Notice the certainty in his words. Not “I hope,” not “I think,” but “I am convinced.” This conviction was not born in comfort but in suffering. He had been beaten, imprisoned, rejected, misunderstood, yet through it all he had discovered something stronger than pain, stronger than rejection, stronger than death itself: the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul then builds a list, almost daring creation to come up with a contender strong enough to sever that bond. Death cannot. Life cannot. Spiritual beings, no matter how high or dark, cannot. Time cannot. Space cannot. Power itself cannot. And just in case anything was missed, he adds, “nor anything else in all creation.” Nothing. No sin too deep, no valley too dark, no storm too violent. The love of God is unbreakable, immovable, and unstoppable.

This is not sentimental love. It is not the shifting affection of human hearts. This is covenant love sealed in the blood of Christ. A love that pursued us when we were running, lifted us when we were fallen, and holds us still when our grip is weak.

The real challenge is not whether God’s love is secure. The challenge is whether we live like it is. Too often we still measure ourselves by our failures, or fear tomorrow as though his love might expire. But Paul reminds us—no force, internal or external, can disqualify us from what Christ has already secured.

So today, hold your head high. Not because life is easy, but because you are held in a love that cannot be shaken. Let this truth sink into your bones: you are loved in a way that will never be undone.

Lord, help me to live convinced, as Paul was. When fear rises, remind me that your love stands taller. When my failures accuse me, remind me that your love has already spoken a better word. May I rest, walk, and rise each day knowing nothing in all creation can separate me from your love in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Carry this question into your day: What would change in my choices, my courage, and my outlook if I truly believed nothing could separate me from the love of God?