“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:26 (NIV)
I’ll never forget my 8th-grade dance. Like many of the girls my age, the hopeless romantic in me yearned to go with a certain someone, but sadly, he never asked me. I still attended without a date, but I couldn’t help but dream that my pretty red dress would capture my crush’s eye.
Upon arrival, I eyed my dream suitor right away. I didn’t dare go up to him, but secretly hoped he would make his way to me. To enhance the evening’s excitement, any brave attendees could request that the DJ project special sentiments onto the cafeteria’s big monitor. How adorable, I thought to myself.
Before I knew it, a group of my friends was running toward me, squealing in excitement.
“Casey, look! Your name is on the screen!” I nervously looked up, and my heart skipped a beat. Flashing for all to see was an elaborate pink heart adorned with my name, along with the phrase, “Be Mine.” Did my crush feel the same way after all?
I remember feeling so special, seen, and giddy all at the same time. However, my rush of excitement was short-lived, because I unfortunately discovered the whole ordeal was a cruel joke. I was embarrassed, hurt, and felt like such a fool. I’ll never forget how I went from feeling cherished to crushed all in one evening.
Many of us have experienced broken hearts in our lives. And it is easy to get caught up in the whimsy of earthly romance. However, love this side of heaven is full of conditions, expectations, and strings. But thankfully, we can find comfort in knowing God’s love is different. Psalm 136:26 (NIV) reminds us to, “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” God’s love lasts – not only for a lifetime, but for all eternity.
Earthly romance simply cannot compare to the romance God yearns for us to have with Christ. Instead of getting swept up in our idea of the “perfect” person, we should allow ourselves to be swept up in His goodness, His promises, and all that He has done for us. This is the only way to realize that we are worthy and have always been.
Sisters, I am still learning this truth. Even today, I sometimes find myself disappointed when romance is lacking in my own life. Can you relate? I’ll compare my husband to other husbands and wonder why I don’t get flowers more often, or love notes, or fill-in-the-blank. The reality is when I expect my husband to fill the void in my heart, all the flowers in the world could never suffice. And it’s not surprising many women love romance. It feels good to be wanted, seen, and cherished.
As God’s daughters, I hope we imbed within our hearts the truth that the purest form of love only comes from Him. I pray we notice every day how God is wooing us in both the big things and the small. And when we take moments to observe the world around us, I hope we see how often God goes out of His way to remind us that we are loved.
Maybe he’ll send a butterfly, a leaf in the shape of a heart, a text from a friend reminding us of our worth, or something totally unexpected. There are many little ways God romances us daily with his own love offerings.
Let’s rest in the truth that God will never forsake us, and remaining in His love is the only way to fill any void within our hearts. There is nothing wrong with enjoying romance, of course, but may our hearts never idolize earthly romance over the one that is divine.
And, sweet sisters, once we are filled with God’s love, may we happily go out and spread our own love offerings in His honor.
About the Author:
Casey is a mom of two wonderful boys and wife to her husband of over a decade. She enjoys writing, organizing, and encouraging people, especially fellow moms. She’s a lover of Jesus, running and sending cards via snail mail. It is her desire for all moms to know they are worthy, seen, loved, and not alone. Feel free to follow her writing journey @words.with.casey.
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