THE TRUEST LOVE

Before being born again, my heart drank deeply from a dry well of fake and meaningless things. My behaviors and motives spoke of a fractured mind and deceived heart that revisited the deep chasm not knowing any better and not finding fulfillment.

The lust of my eyes, the lust of my flesh and my pride were ferocious, chewing away at a once vibrant and hopeful heart. As I was repeatedly disappointed by each new and initially exciting experience, my heart’s elation slowed to a sluggish pace. My definition of love was sexual escapades and drunkenness was my substitute for “freedom”. I was wholly owned by ungodliness.

Yet, even in my wickedness, a divine force was pursuing what remained of my heart, and in May of 2007, in my depressed state, I encountered Almighty God. My longing for significance became an experience with the Holy One, as he turned on the tap of living water, drenching my soul.

As quickly as he poured in love, joy, peace and hope, I gulped it in. I started to feel the false loves and destructive idols seated on the throne of my heart, being dethroned. The love of a heavenly Father was like a sledgehammer hitting my heart, making it pliable.

Over the years, my love for the Lord has erupted in astounding ways. Things and experiences of this world have become bland in comparison to the all consuming love and devotion developing within me for the Lord. Prayers are being answered for a deeper adoration of the God-breathed pages of Scripture and its triune author.

I’m eagerly exposing every part of my life that requires correction, so that today’s verse becomes as natural for me as breathing air. I want to love the Lord with all that I am. I want an all consuming love just like his love for me when he sent his one and only son to die on my behalf, when it should have been me being nailed to the cross.

If you have been hurt in your life, and it’s a challenge to love, pray. Pray that the words of today’s Scripture would begin to transform your damaged heart. That the words would become an action as natural as walking. God is with you and he can redeem and heal everything in you that was broken.

Heavenly Father, how marvelous your love for me is. I’m amazed that it’s broken through to the depths of my soul, revealing a love in me for you I never thought I’d be capable of. While I know that my love is far from perfect and I fall short of it often, you always bring me back to your heart where I’m restored and encouraged to keep going in your ways. Protect me from the deceitful things of this world that endeavor to remove you from the throne of my heart. In Jesus’s mighty name I pray, Amen.

Throughout The Day: Read and meditate on Mark 12:30. Test your heart to see where you are at in your love for the Lord and pray that he would increase that love. He longs for a deep love relationship with you.