“I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me” (Song of Sol.7:10). “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain (abide, marinate, linger) in my love” (John 15:9)
Lord Jesus, we long for a much greater experience of you and our belovedness. We have the “verses” but we want the astonishment. We have the teaching, but we want the transforming reality. Our deepest longings find their fulfillment in you. Our greatest brokenness finds its healing through you. Our lingering fears find their release by you. What a wonderful, merciful Savior you are.
We belong to you, Jesus—not by the merit of our efforts or the measure of our goodness. Not because we strove, wept, or repented enough. “Enough-ness” is only found in you. You bought us with the price of your life, and we now live in the fullness of your affection.
Indeed, right now, you desire and delight in us, Jesus—not because of anything in us, but because of everything in you. And you have given us your everything. Thought we still struggle to believe it, you are our “righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1Cor.1:30). We’ll never be more saved than we are right now—more alive to your love… “Yes!”… but not more loved. What do we do next, and then after that?
Remain, abide, marinate, linger in your love? What a command, Jesus—what a glorious way to invest our passion, spend our days, serve you before heaven, and love our neighbors. So Very Amen.