Last week I shared about the noise and distractors that hinder my walk and I left you with a comment about God reminding me of my First Love, Jesus Christ! Triggered by something I heard on a radio sermon; I started thinking about the first time I really felt the love of God. With feelings of nostalgia, I reminisced about telling my grandmother, that while I have always loved Jesus, I was now in love with Him. Tears streamed down her face in recognition that my heart had changed permanently.
The morning following this endearing memory my devotional brought me to Revelation 2:4, “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” God’s gentle reminders are always orchestrated beutifully. As I reflected to my thoughts the morning before, I meditated on these words, and recognized that God had been telling me to stop looking for the aha moments, to stop depending on my own self-will, and to start leaning on Him instead. In the noise I forgot my first love. I forgot how to be still, how to quiet my soul, how to wait on Him.
He is my first love, not only my Creator, but the Creator of the universe. Nothing is too big, too powerful, too hard, too broken for Him to change, set free, heal, or mend. He alone can soften the hardened soul and awaken a sleeping spirit. Nothing is beyond Him! He truly is my All in All and I can do nothing apart from Him. He is the reason for every success, He has a bigger plan and purpose for every trial, He is my strength, my joy, my calm, my reason! He should be the first I go to whether I am planning, celebrating, or grieving. He is my guide through every aspect of life. Too long have I taken this for granted. Too long have I not recognized His amazing grace. Too long have I leaned on my own self will, no wonder I have failed so miserably.
Recently, I heard a guest speaker on my favorite podcast share that we should be going to God for everything, down to simplest of tasks such as what store to frequent. But most days I just go through the motions, doing what feels right in the moment, what’s easiest, what makes the most sense. As Angie mentioned in our conversation, “feelings are fickle.” What is easy is not always right, and what makes sense may not line up with what God has planned.
God may not always share His plan in detail with us but be assured that He has a plan, and it is perfect. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” (Romans 15:13). When we walk toward Him, doing the next right thing, we can find joy and peace in His presence; rest in the hope of His plan.
Can you remember a moment that you first truly felt God’s love? Hold on to that moment, cherish it, let it serve as a reminder that He is your first love.