The past week, I failed to realize fully that my gaze was shifting; from heavenly to earthly. From true contentment in Christ to hopeless pursuit in temporary satisfaction (aka fleshly attention, the heart of selfie culture). My heart is so disconnect in the temporary, in those moments that follow an attempt at sin-full satisfaction. I failed to prevent myself from thinking that some person could truly meet the need, fill the God-size void, in my heart.“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”Psalm 34:18 NIV
Don't get me wrong, sometimes we all just need a hug. But the intentions my heart lifted the attention of a man above the value of God's love for me. God's love and attention has been set on and towards me since before time began, and that nothing can separate me from His love- including my struggling thoughts and emotions.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”James 4:8a NKJV
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? No! ...overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.... nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39 NLT
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith....”Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
When I keep my eyes on Jesus, making a conscious effort to remember these promises (listed above, and more) I'm more content, more joyful. Not looking to the left or right, for something or someone else to fill the longing for love, because everything goes back to the cross. Where Jesus demonstrated His love by giving His life as a sin sacrifice in my place so I could be reconciled back to the way God originally intended it; in eternal relationship with my King.
So if you find yourself struggling, longing for attention from the wrong sources, I pray that God would send you reminders of His love for you. He loves you so much. Through your friends, through song, His Word, dreams... maybe even this blog.
Blessings~
Song: Only One by Harvest
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