I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me. Song of Sol. 7:10 (NIV)
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. John 15:9 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, we long to believe this bold declaration of your love for us, much more than we already do. Free us, we pray, for you have made us for yourself and have redeemed us for your glory.
Our deepest longings find their origin and fulfillment in you. Our greatest brokenness finds its healing through you. Our lingering fears and foolishness find their release by you.
What a wonderful, merciful Savior you are, Jesus. No one could ever love us the way you do. Forgive us thinking otherwise. Forgive us for looking to anyone else for what you alone can give us.
We belong to you, Jesus—not by the merit of our efforts, nor by the measure of our sincerity; not by the tears of our repentance, nor by the pledge of our faithfulness. We belong to you, because you came to us and gave yourself for us. By your life of perfect obedience, and your death in humble submission, you paid a price beyond measure, to give us riches beyond calculation. Nothing can sever our relationships or change our belongingness. Hallelujah.
You desire us, Jesus—not because we show promise, but because you fulfilled every promise God made on our behalf. You enjoy us, Jesus—not because we are choice, but because we are chosen; not because of anything in us, but because of everything in you.
Nothing can diminish or intensify our beloved-ness. This isn’t just a “game changer”; it’s an everything changer. We believe; help our unbelief, Jesus. May this all-consuming, heart-transforming, life-liberating good news free us today to live and to love to your glory. Take us further up and further into your heart, grace, and plan for the cosmos. So very Amen we pray, in your mercy-full and grace-full name.
