Devoted. Loyal. Steadfast. Affectionate. Dedicated. Faithful. Devout.
Hopelessly devoted.
Did any of you just imagine doe-eyed Sandy, singing her heart out to her precious, beloved, Danny boy?
Do you remember that feeling? You’re young and you’re IN LOVE. Your thoughts always turn to that special someone throughout the day. No effort. No trying. It’s easy. Not only easy, but consuming. You’re madly in love. Faithful to that love. Attentive and committed. You’re hopelessly devoted.
Is that how you feel about Jesus? I’m going to admit something. For me? Not always. Not nearly enough. I have a lot of understanding for people and their busy lives. I’ve been through many tough days where there was no time to think about anything besides what was in front of me. I made it through by the skin of my teeth. I earned my pay, everyone was fed, the kids made it to their extracurriculars, or we filled our obligations at church, and I fell into bed, exhausted. I eeked out a prayer or two during the day. “Thank you for my food. Thank you for loving me. Tomorrow, I’ll do better,” and so it went, day after day.
Time has slowed down a bit now, and the kids are grown. Though my husband and I still have a lot on our plates, we have more free time now. Through God’s drawing, I spend much more time with Him these days than I used to, and I’m so grateful for that. But honesty again? I still lack. I went four days this week without getting up early to do my prayers, and when I had an opportunity to get up early to get overtime at work, my feet hit the floor when the alarm went off. I got out of bed without the snooze! Instantly, I felt like a total loser. Why did I get out of bed this day when I didn’t the other four? What is motivating me? Manipulating me?
Boy, I made sure to get my prayer time in before work that day! But man, gut punch! Ouch. I repented of my laziness and my lack of commitment. Oh, how He loves me! He deserves so much better.
I get it. We’re distracted. The enemy has meticulously painted a perfect-looking deception of life. Go to school. Get a good job. Get a house. Raise kids. Take them to church. Be sure the kids are involved in sports and activities. Keep up with that TV show. Take the family to see the new movie. Be sure you’re volunteering. Keep up those appearances. Smile on the outside when you’re dying on the inside. Get your fake joy from all the worldly things. Fill up your day with anything but Jesus. Then remember Him as you’re drifting off to sleep and wonder what happened. Why don’t you feel Him in your life like you used to? Why does He feel so far away? Acknowledge it must be you. God never changes. Repeat, rather than repent. What a trap! Don’t fall for it! Pursue Him above all else!
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
As time goes on, my husband and I are realizing just how much the enemy has lied to us about achieving the “American Dream.” With as much snark as I can muster, I now call it the “American Nightmare.” And I’m SO DONE. We’ve taken the bait and spent way too much time on things other than God. We filled our minds with things other than God. We put trust and stock into things other than God. We knew better, and we’ve been trying to extract ourselves from the “things” for a few years now. The process isn’t easy. But we’re committed.
No more jealousy or comparison of what anyone else has. No more entrapments. No more entanglements. No more fake standards. No more pride.
I renounce it all and cling to the hem of Jesus’ garment to carry me through whatever comes my way! He wants me to count on Him. He is my sustainer and provider, Amen! Praise Jesus! My devotion is to YOU, Jesus. Let it be a “I can’t make it a minute without your leading” commitment. Let me be devoted. Hopelessly so.
Beloved, He is SO faithful to us. He will pursue us, draw us closer, renew us when we’re depleted, chasten us when we’re disobedient, invest in us, equip us, and strengthen us for the battles ahead. He will LOVE US with a fierce love we’ve never experienced. A love far greater than the “Danny boys” can give.
1 Kings 8:61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Brothers and Sisters, let’s pursue Him back just as fervently as He pursues us. Let’s remember the One who sustains us. The only One who deserves such adoration. Let’s renew our devotion to Christ today and be forever…
Fully immersed in The Scarlet Letters.