Experiencing God's Presence #194

Experiencing God's Presence #194

I will give them hearts that recognize me as the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly.

Jeremiah 24:7

Imagine a man whose true love doesn’t yet know or care that he longs for her. He’s certain they will be married one day, but in the meantime, he feels the pain of her indifference. She seeks other loves, ignores his signs of affection, and lives as though he is largely irrelevant. In the depths of his love, he watches and waits. And his heart aches.

God portrays Himself that way in Scripture. This God who is entirely self-sufficient describes Himself in terms of a man who loves and waits. He longs to share Himself with those who can appreciate Him, but they often don’t recognize Him or realize how perfectly He fits their desires and needs. Though they look elsewhere for fulfillment, one day they will see Him as “the One.” But for now, He observes their futile search and longs to enjoy their affections.

God will impart His heart to us if we ask Him to. He will stoke the flames of love within us and cause us to recognize Him for who He is. Even as He waits for us to catch on to the fact that we are deeply loved, He will begin to win us over. Our love may develop slowly, but His doesn’t. He knows our hearts will eventually find their true home in Him.

Don’t underestimate God’s emotional investment in your relationship with Him. He isn’t casual about you. The more you realize that and return His affections, the quicker and deeper your spiritual life will progress. Your heart will be fulfilled in the relationship—and so will His.

Lord, give me a heart that recognizes who You are, not just on the surface but in deeply personal ways. I want You to be fully satisfied with my love for You and for me to be fully satisfied in Your love for me.