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. Abide in my love. John 15:9 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, we long to believe this bold declaration of your love for us SO much more than we already do. Make it happen, Lord; for you’ve made us for yourself and have redeemed us for yourself. Our oldest longings and greatest joys find their fulfillment only in you. Our greatest brokenness and deepest wounds find their healing through you. Our lingering fears and abiding 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, and looking to anyone else for what you alone can give.
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 or change our belongingness.
You desire us, Jesus—not because we show promise, but because you fulfilled every promise God made on our behalf. You desire us, Jesus—not because we are choice, but because we are chosen. You desire us, Jesus—not because of anything in us, but because of everything in you. Nothing can diminish or intensify our beloved-ness. Jesus, this isn’t just a “game changer, “it’s an everything changer. We believe; help our unbelief.
May this all-consuming, heart-transforming, life-liberating good news free us today to live and to love to your glory. Jesus, take us further up and farther into your heart, joy, and likeness. So very Amen we pray, in your mercy-full and grace-full name.
