Devotional – Life in the Palace

On Matters of the Heart…Who Do You Love?

We call them butterflies; it’s the funny feeling we get in the pit of our stomachs when we think about someone who we are quite fond of. That feeling could be from looking at the face of a newborn baby who stole our hearts the first time our eyes beheld their beauty. It could also be caused by a thought of a person who enters our life and makes us feel special. We call such emotions love, and we often can’t even explain it, but one thing is undeniable; it does feel good.

On the subject of love, the Bible teaches many lessons; firstly, it tells us of the great love that our Creator has for us; so much so that He created us in His own image, gave us authority, and provided everything we need for our survival. It is written:

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground”.

Genesis 1:26

Have you ever given thought to how the Universe functions? Reflect for a moment on the seamless cycle of the production of oxygen and carbon dioxide between humans and plants; each work to sustain the other. How about how the rivers and sea kindly release their particles to the sun, that then feed the cloud to make rain? There is an awesome wonder in nature that cannot be fathomed. Personally, I may have taken the wonders of creation lightly until I read a passage of Scripture that changed my perspective forever; it read:

Do you not fear Me?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, an eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail;

Jeremiah 5:22

Before reading this passage of Scripture, I never really gave thought to the expanse of the sea, and as might as the waves are, their coming to the shore never take over the land. This is undeniably great power, and True Love from God. Despite its magnificence, the sea does not normally threaten us in our personal space on land; God’s wisdom in designing Earth considered our need for safety. It leaves us to reflect on the topic: The Heart of the Matter.

Love is such a powerful emotion that it has the ability to make things happen; you may agree that many of our actions are motivated by love. The passion we feel moves us into action and we do and say things that can make a world of difference. On the subject of LOVE, how though does the Word of God encourages us? In God’s relationship with His Chosen People, Israel, the Creator was careful to instruct them how to handle this powerful emotion. Through His servant Moses, the Israelites were taught:

And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts.….

Deuteronomy 6:5-6

As a matter of wisdom, and even common sense, it does make sense that our affection should be directed firstly to God, Who is the Source of our lives; if not there, then where? Our very existence is connected to all that God has done; from our design, to all that we have access to in our world; other humans, food, sun, rain and all else that we partake of and enjoy in our daily lives. As a matter is wisdom, it makes serves us better to be connected to the Power that generates all that we rely on; God is the Power; the Source of all things.

Oftentimes, the reality is that we become attached to the people and the things that our eyes can see, and we have a strong connection and affection especially because we can see and touch that which we are drawn to. Yet, the Bible tells us the correct way to direct our emotion so that we live a more fulfilling life. In loving God first, we get to experience His love for us, and we have the ability, strength and courage to love everyone, and everything else, we also enjoy protection because the God Who loves us with an everlasting love responds affectionately to those Who love Him.

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

Queen, as we trod this earth, we know that there will be challenges and distraction; but what an assurance we have in God’s love for us? What more we can have when we return His love? May the first Matter of your Heart be connecting with your God and King. Know for sure that the confidence you desire to have about where you are heading, and how your life will turn out is found when you are in the centre of God’s love. As you focus the matters of your heart firstly on the Source of that very pounding heart, then you know for sure that He will keep you; in life and in death.

The memories of those who faithfully love the Lord, the Creator of the Universe will never leave His memory. The persons and things that our eyes can see, to whom we are drawn and feel strong affection will be better loved when we are first loved. The Bible teaches us the correct way to direct our emotion so that we live a more fulfilling and successful life. In loving God first, we are firmly established; we enjoy His favour and protection too because the God Who loves us with an everlasting love responds affectionately to those Who love Him.

It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.…

Psalm 112:5-7

As God, through His Word encourages us to make Him our First Love it is so that we are set up for success; it is so that we can have access to the many promises He has made to bless us abundantly; it is so that we can enjoy His provisions and peace. May it be that when we endeavour to express love to others that we do so out of the love we have already received from God and freely return to Him. As we learn and practice to love God first, we will find more joy as we live and love by God’s design and recommendation.

GO FORTH AND LOVE AS YOU HAVE BEEN LOVED BY GOD