John is in Peru for two weeks. Today God really ministered to me on my walk and reminded me to embrace this time as a gift from Him. Yesterday I was reminded of the passage in 1 Corinthians 7 where Paul encourages folks to stay single because it enables you to be of an undivided heart toward God. "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11
I remember embracing this passage when I was in college and single. I learned then to allow God to fully meet my every need for approval, affection, and comfort. Growing up I was raised by a mother who did not give me those things either. Instead I was met with criticism, slander, and coldness. She did not know how to give affection or encouragement. I also craved it because my dad wasn't around either.
My little Callie is having a hard time with her daddy being gone for so long. (She is quite the daddy's girl) She broke down in tears after a long hard day of misbehavior. She finally let it all out and said, "I just miss Daddy. He treats me so nice." I gave her a huge hug and then explained to her that growing up I didn't have a dad around--saw him about once a year. I was able to explain that I had to trust God to be my Father. Wherever I was, whatever I was doing--happy or sad, He was always there.
Back to today on my walk....God reminded me of all these things. He reminded me that He is in fact my First Love, My Husband, My Father, and also the comforting, approving mother I crave. When there is no one around to tell me that I am loved, that I am beautiful, that I am important. He is there. He is there to 'treat me nice'. If you are feeling alone or less than beautiful or approved of today, embrace the gift of God's word and Presence to you.
"The Lord Your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
Beautiful--by Bethany Dillon (Download this song!)
You make me beautiful
You make me stand in awe
You step inside my heart, and I am amazed
I love to hear You say
Who I am is quite enough
You make me worthy of love and beautiful
