Day 1--Beloved

A few months ago I heard the song "Beloved" by Tenth Avenue North and was really encouraged by the message of the song. Every human wants to be loved unconditionally and cherished and pretty much every human has been hurt and let down by another human who is incapable of loving so perfectly. I heard the song again tonight and once again my heart was touched and I was reminded once again how perfect and wonderful and awesome God's love is for me. Every time I hear this song I'm convicted by the lyrics that say, "You've been a mistress, my wife chasing lovers that won't satisfy." Scripture is very clear that God views the church (all believers) as His bride. But so many times I chase after things that I feel like will make me happy. Instead of being a good "bride" and being faithful to my God I focus my time and energy selfish things that will only bring temporary happiness. God commands us to "...love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (Deuteronomy 6:5 KJV). Most of the time I am guilty of only loving God with my leftovers.
This song also brings to mind the story of Hosea. God commanded Hosea to go out any marry a prostitute and every time she cheated on him Hosea was to go find her and bring her back home. The story is meant to be a picture of God's love for the children of Israel. Israel doubted God and disobeyed Him at almost every turn, but even though they constantly rejected God He always brought them back to Himself. Even though this particular passage was written specifically for the Israelites it still applies to us today. The same God that loved the children of Israel and pursued them is the same God that still loves and pursues us today. That kind of unselfish love that is shown in the story of Hosea is nothing short of amazing. I am so thankful that I serve a God who loves me in the same way; a God that will pursue me and bring me back to Him no matter how many times I chase other "lovers".