In a world where it is so "cool" to be loveless, it is difficult to understand the love God continues to direct our way. As a people who see our so-called exemplars consistently demonstrating little respect for the promises which flow so abundantly from their lips, we find it hard to accept and count on a promise, even one made by God. Such is the severity of the affliction occasioned by our failure to understand, accept and embrace the pervasive reality of love.
Our ill-defined grasp of love calls forth from us, a weak, half-hearted, unassured and self-demeaning response in the face of wholesome, unqualified, magnanimous and altruistic love, such as that proffered by God. A promise, therefore, like the one made in Isiah 49:15, "Yet even if these forget, I will never forget you," will not easily take root within us, because it encounters the cynical and self-protective barriers sprung from the pain of false promises.
We have heard it all before, "Darling I will never leave you"; "Honey you can count on me"; "Don't worry, I have your back"; "Trust me, I won't let you down"; and the Trini favourite, "Doh frighten, ah have it lock."
And from our leaders "regular pipe borne water"; "no more traffic jams"; "decent health care"; "we will reduce crime"; "no more flooding"; "no one will be left behind"; all these and more. We are therefore reluctant, even scared to accept and believe another promise having been savaged by so many promises not founded and grounded in true love.
Psalm 62 boldly proclaims, "In God alone is my soul at rest; my help comes from Him"; and again, "In God is my safety and glory." The psalmist urges us to "take refuge in God" and to "trust Him at all times."
This Psalm is an explicit recognition of the futility of a life grounded in anything but God. What more could we ask or need if our "safety and glory" are provided for? All the concerns of motivation theorists are addressed here.
Every aspect of our safety, physical, economic, emotional, etc, and every aspect of the glory we all pursue, all the recognition and fulfilment we so desire; these are all bound up in God. So why are we not enjoying 'life to the fullest' as was God's stated intention? We deny ourselves the fullness of life because we still have not come to terms with its key element, the love of God. All the beauty and richness of God lies before us, but we do not believe we deserve this. All this couldn't possibly be for us! Jesus assures us in Matthew 6:24-34, "Are you not worth much more than they are (the birds in the sky)?"
We add nothing to God's glory. He needs nothing from us. So why are we created if not simply because He loves us? Real love is compelled to give, compelled to share, compelled to include. Thus we are offered a share in His life and His glory, for no other reason than love. Live with it!
Lloyd & Hazel Theodore
Couples For Christ