The Lord wants to be our first love.
I sat on the knoll beneath our apple tree. A stiff breeze showered me with apple blossoms while I peeked through the limbs at a thunderhead brewing on the edge of a periwinkle sky. My mind drifted with thoughts of the magnificence of God — His majesty. His holiness. His awesome power.
And I thought of the day when He said, “I will be your God and You will be My child” — that wondrous day of my salvation when I entered into covenant love with my Maker. That day I asked Him to be my first love. Can you remember the day You met the Almighty God through the shed blood of Jesus? For some it was a quiet knowing, for others a miraculous day of exuberant shouting, but for all of us, I believe it was a day of wonder.
Just think of it! Because of Jesus we can know the One True God and walk in relationship with Him.
For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. ~ 2 Corinthians 6:16
But sometimes I take that relationship for granted.
I hear Him whisper my name to come and sit awhile … but I choose to continue in a mindless activity.
He nudges me to open His Word … but I’m too busy.
In full exasperation I ask Him for peace or guidance … but I can’t sit still long enough to listen for His answer.
The sky grew darker as the thunderstorm consumed the clear spring day. Thunder began to roar in the distance prompting me to consider the many voices of God — powerful like the clamor of air masses butting up against one another. Soft like the gentle breeze as He passes by on the wings of the wind.
And then there is the delicate whisper deep within me — that still, small voice reminding me I am His.
That’s the voice that ultimately got my attention as I sat holding my knees, rocking in the grass beneath the tree.
A difficult season of life had been my companion for some time. I fought for sanity and battled weariness. Impossible decisions loomed ahead. The struggle was real.
But on this day beneath the apple tree and stormy sky, God reminded me that He goes before me and will make the crooked places straight. Because He goes before me, shouldn’t I be aware of His footsteps? If I follow close enough, can I see His footprints as He makes the path ready for me? Yes, in my spirit … yes, because His Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. His Word is the blueprint of the covenant we share, the frame for our remarkable relationship.
There must be the following close to really know Him and recognize His voice and His footsteps leading us onward. How do we do this? By studying His Word, digging deep looking for treasures. By praying throughout the day — talking with the Lord and listening for His response. By spending time in fellowship with other Believers. By seeking Him first and foremost, no matter how crazy life becomes.
He must be our first love.
Can you imagine the path of life He has created for us as we choose to walk closely with Him and keep His covenant?
All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and goodness and truth and faithfulness to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. ~ Psalm 25:10, AMP
Lovingkindness [mercy].
Goodness.
Truth.
Faithfulness.
What wonderful stepping stones as He leads us higher and higher along the path to eternity.
Yes, I’m learning to sit and listen. Or, trying to. But sometimes I sure do wish He’d shout it out instead 😉
You and me both! I’ve even asked for a band of angels to come to my door and sing His message – lol!
I am certainly trying to listen right now! I find myself in a place where I feel blinded to the path ahead. It is such a comfort to know He will speak if I just quiet myself and listen. Thank you!