Take this day as an opportunity to catch up on your reading, pray, and rest in the presence of the Lord.
We love because He first loved us.
—1 John 4:19
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16 thoughts on "Grace Day"
I too long to be loved, adored by a husband – 54 and lonely for this kind of love – thankful Jesus never fails to wrap me in his love inspire of my self
I am in a puddle of tears after reading yesterday’s reading, “Wedding Day” and now reflecting on this study and what it means to my own life. Like others, I wanted to skip this one, knowing that it would be difficult for me to get through, but also wanting to allow God to speak to me through it in the only way that He can-right to my very being. I have never felt the love that is described here between Solomon and his bride, humanly speaking. I’ve been married for several decades but we never really had this. It’s been a struggle. I was sexually abused as a child, lacked confidence in ever being loved, was fiercely independent and self-sufficient; he was selfish and a workaholic. We were young, more committed to ministry than to our marriage, never nurtured it or got it right. An affair recently happened. Rocked us both. Made us examine ourselves and our marriage, things got better. But this…the passion described in this passage between Solomon and his bride…I don’t think it will ever be there. That is one of the things that brought me to tears this morning…my sadness that I may never have that on earth. But I also sobbed with joy that Christ is the only love that fulfills our expectations. Christ’s love for the Church has no blemishes or flaws; He never falters or forgets. And while love here on earth comes with its share of heartache and tears, the fulfillment of our heart’s truest desire will not disappoint. May I hold onto that truth as I walk through this life. Thank you, Jesus.
Prayers for you this morning. Hugs too.
Taking the focus off myself this morning and will pray for you Laura.
Praying for you and your husband. What a rough road you’ve walked. And yet you continue to press on and trust in Him who loves you best. I stand amazed. You have a strength that only comes by the refiner’s fire. I’m so sorry for all you’ve gone through but admire your faithfulness. Laura , the Potter is still at work. You are His precious clay. I’ve been married 38 years and that passionate love waxes and wanes, comes and goes and comes around again. We are two imperfect people in a holy union trying to represent Him well to each other and to the world. It is a mission fraught with danger. The enemy is persistent and relentless. But he is no match for the King we serve. The Lord places high value on obedience and faithfulness. I think we see passion as that hot and heavy feeling that takes our breath away. I think God sees passionate love in our choosing to be faithful and obedient when it is hard. Therein is our witness. That we still love and still love and still love. Inspite of. Despite of. We just keep on. That’s the core of passionate love. Not the fast heartbeat and the moony eyes but the sweat on the brow and the getting up and doing it all again tomorrow. Because He first loved. He loves.
Beautiful words Churchmouse
Well said Churchmouse. Thank you!
Oh Laura- how brave you are to share this wit us and to allow us to approach the Lord for you. May you invite the kindness and groaning of the Holy Spirit to face you and your shame, to bring redemption to your aches and longings. Your desire isblovely and God given- seek him and the gifts, talents and beauties he has given you and no one else. You were written to bring something so unique to this world- may it flourish. I am praying for you and your husband, dear sister
“I think God sees passionate love in our choosing to be faithful and obedient when it is hard.” Oh, wow! And isn’t this the kind of passion Jesus showed? Passion for our salvation, passion for His Father’s will? Yet, He was rarely a fiery man. Just calm, even, constant. When He knew He faced an unjust death on a splintery cross, He continued to be faithful and obedient. Thank you for this description, Churchmouse!
Thank you, churchmouse. Your words will become my prayer….to press on, to keep loving….to see that as passion. Thank you.
Love these words
Words I didn’t realize I needed to hear. Thank you xoxo
Hi Laura, while reading your response I thought of something I wanted you to have. I wanted to send it to you but realized it probably isn’t appropriate to request addresses on here. :) So it’s a book (and messages) called Unmasked – a ministry that releases tremendous healing and restoration to women, and men surrounding the area of sexuality, identity, and relationships. They have seen numerous lives touched and marriages transformed. Here is a link if you’re interested in purchasing the book
http://www.lifeline-ministries.org/unmasked
They just had a conference too and there are links from the live stream on YouTube here:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=1wXYaKT6lPc
I think you’ll have to copy and paste the links.
I’d highly encourage you to give them a listen. Not too make light of your situation and like a book or message could fix everything, but the testimonies from these are amazing. Our God loves to heal and restore. And I believe you could find what you long for in your marriage this side of heaven.
Here’s my email address if those links don’t work or something [email protected]
Blessings to you!
He is love. One can only really love when Christ lives within the heart. What love the Father has given unto us that we may be called His children!❤️❤️❤️
It is sometimes the only way I can love; knowing because He first loved!
Amen