Valentine's Day Musings

Well, it's here. The day you've either been dreading or practically peeing your pants about. For some it's Valentine's day; for others it's Single Awareness Day. I found myself singing songs by Mayer like, "Perfectly Lonely," thrown in with some of James Morrison songs [hey, don't judge my music tastes lest you be judged ;) lol]. But I know it's wrong for me to complain or mope today because there is really no reason for me to do so. With that said, I don't find it easy to be thankful and content this Feb. 14th, though I should. So how am I still so happy on a holiday most people loathe? By not focusing on Cupid, the naked baby with arrows that has magical powers. Like really? Today is a celebration of love. No, not the silly, fluffy stuff -- but something much, much greater. A love literally to die for.

Are you hungry or satisfied?
In Hebrews 13:5, we should be content with this simple fact: God will never leave or forsake you. Wow. Think about that for a second. The One who created us will never disappoint. He will never abandon or quit on us, because that's the kind of guy He is. Do you know of ANY other love like that? I doubt it. If you do, I am positive you will be left hungry for more love or even a different love. Ask yourself: Am I truly complacent? God wants us to fill ourselves with Him! :) What is His love like? His love is better than life (Psalm 63:3)? His compassion, grace, mercy, and love never cease (Psalm 145:8). In fact, His mercies are new every single morning (Lamentations 3:21-24). His anger is slow; His love abounds (Psalm 103:8). Nothing can seperate Christ's love for us (Romans 8:37-39). God is love (1 John 4:16). And guess what? He never, ever fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). Can you even comprehend all this? His love reaches to the heavens; His faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5; 57:10; 108:4). Wow ... Crazy. Lovely. Insane. Wonderful. Love so amazing ... Jesus even calls us friends (John 15:14-15). Honestly, He should hate our very being for the sins we've committed. But that is false. Instead, He loves us so much that God sent His only son, Jesus, to save us from eternal damnation (John 3:16). He laid down His life for us, which is the greatest love that exists (John 15:13). If we love Him, His joy will find and fill us. If His joy fills us, then we're joyful (John 15:10-11). His joy fills us; His right hands presents pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). God gives us the strength to carry on by dwelling in our hearts, rooting and grounding us in love, giving us a glimpse into His love, making us full with Jesus (Ephesians 3:16-19). We are never hungry with Him.

What do you hope for?
It's easy to place hope in a lot of things, especially relationships in today's society. It's probably possible that you've given up on hope altogether. But don't. The one thing that never lets you down is Jesus, no matter how times we've let Him down. Why should we place our faith in Him? Let's look at what Romans 5:1-5 says: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Alright, so you've answered those two boldfaced, underlined questions ... now what?

What's our job?
Simple: Imitate God and walk in love (Ephesians 5:1-2). Okay ... it's simple to phrase, difficult to tackle. God perfects His love in us (1 John 4:12), and as Christians, we shouldn't be hiding that light (Luke 11:33). Basically, every day should be Valentine's for Christians because we have a God who loves us unconditionally, all the time. We want it to be "evident to all" by being on guard, standing firm in the faith, being courageous, being strong, and doing "everything in love" (Philippians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 16:14). But one thing above all I think is a wonderful reminder ..............

Waiting
Trust me, I hate waiting with a passion. And, yes, sometimes, I hate waiting for some guy to walk into my life too (yes, if you haven't realized this yet, I'm a huge loser and I'm okay with that haha). But I don't hate waiting most of the time. Why? Because I want God to be the author of my love story. In Song of Solomon 2:7, we're warned, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." Are you pressuring a relationship too far? Is it the right time? Does God approve?

Valentine's day is about love. For me, it's not about some bf/gf. It's about God's love, and sharing it with others. Today, I visited my grandma who is in the hospital. No, it's not easy, but oh how I love her! Valentine's day means loving on others and appreciating others. Did you know this day actually honors martyrs for Christ? That's love. I'm not saying we need to die to prove our love -- unless that's your call or something, but most likely not -- but to die to ourselves. I just mean we have to show His love, like loving not just your friends, family, and bf/gf, but your enemies too! That sort of love is lacking in the hurting world today. The world needs to see REAL love and TRUE love. Not the buttered up, fake love. So don't be like me, where I started the day off with complaints and sappy songs. Nobody likes those people! Let's rejoice in His love like every day is Valentine's day :) If you're having trouble with this, listen to Phil Wickham. He does a fabulous job of portraying His love for us with melody and lyrics :) And, of course, read the ultimate love letter: His word [http://beccawoll.blogspot.com/search/label/Letters%20from%20God]. May His love and peace be with you today.