June 28, 2017
What Women Need to Know About Love
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. (1 John 3:1)
Friend to Friend
I am the middle child of five born to my parents in eight short years. Our house buzzed with activity, sibling rivalry, and noise. Stadiums full of noise. I was one girl among a handful of kids who wanted to catch the eye of my busy, work-a-holic daddy. While I knew he loved me, I wanted so much more from him. I wanted to hear his love, to feel his love, to be sheltered by his love, and to be adored.
One of my favorite childhood memories is of the times in summer when my big, strong dad would take both of my hands in his and then begin to spin. Running in circles around him, I would quickly gain momentum and take flight. Round and round we would go. Pure delight. My heart soared with the wild, dizzy adventure of it all as my brown eyes laughed with his blue eyes, shrinking to crescents of joy.
And when the moment was over I wanted more.
Again, Daddy! I would beg. Please? Just one more time!
I wanted more of the love. More of the adventure. More of the joy that centered on the attention of my father.
I wanted more than any human or any adventure could ever give.
And I still do.
I often look to my husband, children, friendships, status, career, wallet, or waistline to fill this ache that drives me. When will I learn that my people, positions, and possessions are not my God?
I am so thankful that the Bible reminds me of this intensely personal truth: God is my heavenly Father – my Abba Father – who loves me in the way I’ve always wanted to be loved. Perfectly. All-sufficiently.
We women need to know this. To grasp this. To accept this. To embrace this.
I do want the love of my people. And that’s okay. But I cannot expect that the imperfect nature of humanity, relationships, and this world can satisfy my deepest heart cravings. Only God can satisfy.
Only God.
Only the One who was willing to sacrifice His Son to bridge the chasm of death between His holiness and my humanness. His is the love that holds, the love that heals, the love that refines, the love that calls my waywardness back to purity with kindness, the love that is always with me, that saves, rejoices over me with singing, and takes great delight in me. (Zephaniah 3:17)
This love. This sacred, scarlet love of Jesus is the only water that can quench the desperate longings of my thirsty soul. His is the only love that satisfies. To grasp the love God has for me, my feeble hands must reach for the ones that were pierced for my transgressions.
Reach for them with me.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, You are perfect love…and all that my soul longs for. When I am dizzy with discontent, please remind me that Yours is the love that satisfies.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
How personally do you take God’s love? Is it hard for you to imagine? Me too. But truth is truth. We need to take God at His WORD! Read and meditate on these verses: Ephesians 2:4-5, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Psalm 86:15 and Zephaniah 3:17.
GIVEAWAY: Journal a one-sentence summary that encapsulates the truth of God’s love for you. Then tell me your one sentence summary! Leave it as a comment on my blog or Facebook page! I will be picking 3 random one-sentence-summaries to receive aFREE digital download of the songs from My Strength, My Song CD.
More from the Girlfriends
Gwen Smith is a speaker, worship leader, songwriter, and author of the new book, I Want I ALL, which includes a Bible Study Guide right in the back of the book; no extra purchase required. I WANT IT ALL it’s easy to read yet contains compelling and challenging content. You'll connect with the stories, probably dust off a few heart dreams, think bigger thoughts of God, laugh and smile a lot, search your soul, and even cry a little ... because each page lovingly directs you to the personal grace and truth of JESUS.
(CLICK HERE to get a FREE Downloadable “7 Day I WANT IT ALL” Devotional Ebook.)
Seeking God?
GirlfriendsInGod.com
Click here to learn more about hosting a Girlfriends in God conference in your area or having one of the GiGs speak at your next women's event.