Thoughts

Glowing

Glowing.

Joyful.

Peaceful.

These are the words I would use to describe a woman who is well cared for :: a woman who has confidence in her husband and is cherished by him. She is secure, she is well-acquainted with his love, she is not violently tossed about by the tumultuous waves of life that inevitably come, yet walks faithfully, steadily, through the hills and valleys with her lifelong companion. Exuding joy from her inner being, she is like a precious jewel that radiates joy onto other people and you can’t help but smile when you gaze on her bright countenance or carry a conversation with her.

Haven’t we all seen this or known someone or a few someones like this?

I know I have.

A friend recently shared this example with me and applied it to another relationship, one far more perfect and holy than marriage: in the same way that a woman is cherished by her husband, how much more we are cherished as the bride of Christ! Consider this verse from Zephaniah 3:17:

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

Because I’m a background enthusiast and dislike when verses are used willy nilly without their proper context, technically this passage is referring to the nation of Israel, but in the same way I think this promise applies to all of the Lord’s people. In the commentary section my study Bible adds that “This verse remarkably adds that God himself will rejoice over you with gladness, indicating that when God’s people seek him and follow him, and rejoice in him and trust him, then God personally delights in them. This is not an aloof, emotionless contentment, but it bursts forth in joyful divine celebration: he will exult over you with loud singing.”

Wow! Let this sink in for a moment.

Consider how well-cared for we are in the hand our Shepherd! He is one who stoops low to meet us in our burdens and sorrows. Indeed, He bends down towards us in mercy, He comforts us with His love, and protects us with the strength of His hand. And even more, He delights in holding us! It is not a burden or a chore that He does begrudgingly, but gives us freely. Remember this and be filled to overflowing :: that we are cherished perfectly in a way that no other thing or person or insert ____ fulfill us.

Dear friends, let us be daughters of the Most High who live in this beautiful, soul-satisfying reality!

3 Comments

  • Mattea

    August 24, 2017

    Excellent article & thoughts! :)

  • Alicia

    September 12, 2017

    what beautiful words!

  • Alicia

    September 12, 2017

    miss you Brookie!

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