I
used to think that romance movies were fairy tales and that no human being was
capable of sustaining that much love. I was mistaken. My husband is like that
and so much more, even after 20 years of marriage.
Yes,
he does have too much on his mind sometimes and is preoccupied and neglectful.
Yet, when he hugs me, there is warmth and nurturing in each caress; when he
talks to me, he looks into my eyes.
He
gives me focused attention every day, listens to me when I get his full
attention first and loves me more than he loves himself (Ephesians 5:28-29). He also loves God more
than he loves me, which is as it should be.
When
he thinks of me throughout the day, he does or says something thoughtful and
romantic. When he forgets, I snuggle with him in his big chair and he is always
so welcoming and glad to see me.
He
appreciates everything I do for him and does not take me for granted. He
cherishes my company and is thankful for my devotion to him.
Yet,
his love for me cannot complete me. Only Christ is capable of that amount of
intimacy (Colossians
2:10).
Jesus lives inside of us, and there is no human relationship, which is that
close.
God
knows us better than we know our own self (Psalm 139). He fulfills us better than any person ever
could. He gives us His abundant life now and for eternity (John 10:10). Our love is first and
foremost for Him alone (Matthew
22:37-40).
When
God comes to dwell in our spirit at salvation, He never, ever leaves or
forsakes us (Hebrews
13:5). A
human being may change their mind about us and abandon us, but God never will.
God
desires that we focus our attention on Him. So much so, that He actually feels
jealous when we attempt to replace Him in our affections with another person, place,
animal or thing (Exodus
34:14). He
wants our undivided devotion.
God
understands us and provides for our needs before we even realize we have them.
A personal, intimate relationship with God through Christ by the Holy Spirit is
the most fulfilling connection we can ever experience.
Prayer:
Father
God, when we realize our need for You and confess our sins to You, You forgive
us completely. In fact, You love us unconditionally, even while we are still
sinners (2 Corinthians 5:21; Matthew 27:1-66; Romans 5:8). Thank You for
renewing our human mind and giving us spiritual ears to discern Your voice (John 10:27-29; Romans
12:2).
Thank
You for putting us in Your Body to give us caring, nurturing people who will
cherish us like You do (Psalm
133:1). Yet,
remind us to talk to You as our best friend, and to prove our love to You by
keeping Your commandments (John 14:15, 23; 1 Peter 5:6-8).
Thank
You also for giving us rest for our tired soul and loving us so sacrificially (Matt
11:28-30; John 3:16-17; Psalm 51:12-14). When we abide in Your presence as a
branch on the vine, we enjoy Your intimate love each moment of our day (John
15:1-17).
Thought
for the Day:
Developing
an intimate personal relationship requires our time and attention; so, we
cannot allow anything to rob us of our time with God, who is the most devoted
lover of our soul.
-
Isaiah 38:17
