Does it mean He no longer loves us?

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:35-39 (NLT)

Many of us have such little real understanding of God's love for us, that when times of severe trouble come we are plunged into despair or rebellion against God. I've certainly been there: 'If You really love me, why did You let this happen?'

There are reasons why bad things happen to God's people at times. Some of these reasons may be unknown or never satisfactorily resolved on this side of life. However, as I meditate upon this portion of Scripture, and as I examine the biblical record of the often tumultuous lives of the Saints, questions melt away. It becomes exceedingly obvious that the love of God for His adopted sons and daughters must not be defined by worldly notions of 'happily ever after' while we are in this age.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

John 16:33