“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. ~Matthew 22:37-38
Throughout this devotional I’ve written time and time again about how much God loves us. Truth be told, the Bible is a love story about a God who loves us indescribably. There is not one word on the earth that can adequately capture God’s love for His people. The Apostle Paul explains why this endeavor is probably so difficult. “And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.” (Ephesians 3:18-19). When David reflected on God’s love and how far it stretches, he too said it was so high, he couldn’t grasp it with His mind. “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” (Psalm 139:7) So, there is no question that God loves us more than we will ever be able to understand. However, to experience the fullness of God and all that accompanies His love, we must grow to love Him in return with every fiber of our being.
The emphasis on loving God with all of who we are, places the focus on relationship with God rather than what we can receive from Him. Our walk with God must be relational, not transactional. In other words, we shouldn’t pursue God because of what He can give us. Our hearts must pursue God for who He is. Think about people who routinely call you only when they need something from you. That doesn’t feel good, right? It’s the same way with God. He loves us. So, naturally, He desires to hear from us all the time and not only when we’re in a tight spot or we desperately need a problem solved. “Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.” (Psalm 105:4) God is interested in every aspect of our lives, and He desires a personal, intimate relationship with us so we might better understand Him. The byproduct of relationship with God is that it unlocks the door to a life far more fulfilling than anything the world has to offer. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
As our relationship with God matures and we learn to love Him for who is (and not what He can give us), we naturally prioritize Him above the blessings He stands ready to bestow upon us. When we truly love God more than anything, our complete love for Him is the anchor that grounds us. We don’t forget relationship with Him is priority number one. We thirst after Him, wading deeper and deeper into a love that never ends. A reckless, passionate love detailed throughout scripture. All He asks in return is a relationship where we are as smitten with Him as He is with us. A relationship whereby He can trust us with the wealth of His Kingdom because our hearts are devoted to Him and Him alone.
Prayer: Majesty, I worship you. You are holy and wonderful indeed. I know you stand ready to bless me beyond my wildest dreams, but no earthly blessing will ever be more important than you. You are my heart. You are my treasure. Because I have you, I have everything I need. Thank you for loving me like you do. I love you so much. In Jesus’ beautiful name I pray. Amen.
On Earth As It Is In Heaven - 30-Day Devotional 