I will start out by saying initially when I looked over the prompts, I didn't even want to join in. Nothing makes you feel more lonely then Valentines day, especially if it is your first one solo. I have been in a bit of a funk about that. Loneliness is something I am going to have to learn to get used to as I don't plan on jumping into a new relationship anytime soon. Everything about this holiday reminds me of what I don't have anymore from the commercials to the store displays. I try really hard to be optimistic, but it gets tiring.
Anyway, rather then using this platform to complain, I am going to use it to share about a love I cannot lose. I have a heavenly Father who loves me more then anyone on earth can even imagine. He loved me so much that He sent His son to die a horrible death on a cross for me. Months ago when I went to the young adult retreat, we sang a song during worship that would hit my heart every time:
Every time that we would sing that song in worship, I would find myself near tears. There aren't too many songs that can do that to me times multiple times over a weekend. It made me really think about how much He loves me. He wants to be the one I run to, the one I fall into. He loves me and will never, ever stop, no matter how bad I am or how far I go. He loves me just as much today as He did the day I got married. He even loves me more then I love my kids (and that is a lot!). This valentine's day I need to remember that I am someone's valentine: God's. He showers me with more blessings then any earthly Valentine could. In this time of trial, I am reminded daily how much he loves me because every day he is giving me the strength to get me through another day. Sometimes all I want to do is cry: I feel broken, I feel unloved, I feel alone. Then I am reminded in some way that I may be broken, but he is in the repair business. I may feel unloved, but I am loved more then words can express. And I might feel alone, but I am never really alone. He is with me wherever I go.
I found a few verses about how God loves and cares for us:
- Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
- 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
- Job 34:19 who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?
- Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
- 1 John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
I also found a few quotes that I really liked about love:
- God is love. He didn’t need us. But he wanted us. And that is the most amazing thing. ~ Rick Warren
- God’s unfailing love for us is an objective fact affirmed over and over in the Scriptures. It is true whether we believe it or not. Our doubts do not destroy God’s love, nor does our faith create it. It originates in the very nature of God, who is love, and it flows to us through our union with His beloved Son. ~ Jerry Bridges
- One of the greatest evidences of God’s love to those that love him is, to send them afflictions, with grace to bear them. ~ John Wesley
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Don't feel bad about not wanting to join in. I didn't either. My husband is about as romantic as a brick but he loves me all the same. I've never received anything for Valentine's day and sometimes feel left out. I like how you are able to put a positive spin on it.
ReplyDeleteIf you are OK in the present, there is no reason to despair. Cheers
Thank you. I am really trying to be positive. =) Thanks for the comment.
DeleteWhat a good thing to focus on :)
ReplyDeleteI thought so too
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