The Answer is You
The lyrics of popular ballads often refer to the need for love. Ironically, the lyrics of many Gospel and Christian songs are written using the Words of the Bible which speaks to the same need. We were created to love and be loved. Thus, we look for love to complete us. Love is the answer to a fulfilled life.
There are multiple types of love. In John 21:15-17 (LAB) Agape and Phileo love are addressed. Agape love is self-sacrificial love. Phileo Love signifies affection, affinity or brotherly love. We look for love in people and this is appropriate. Proverbs 18:22 (MSG) “Find a good spouse, you find a good life—and even more: the favor of God!”
However, I would argue that deep and abiding love is never in the finite ability of an individual. We place unrealistic expectations on friends, family, spouses, children, and even therapists. They do not have the forte to meet our expectancies. This work is too weighty for any human to fulfill; we are struggling with our own challenges. Only our creator is accessible each time we need comfort, reassurance and direction for life.
John 20: 24-29 (LAB) “Have you ever wanted to sit down with Jesus and get His advice? God has a wiser plan; He has not limited himself to one physical body; He wants to be present with you at all times. Even now, He is with you in the form of His Holy Spirit. You can talk to Him, and you can find His words to you in the pages of the Bible. He is able to be real to you.”
Similarly to most parents of adult children, God is over joyed to commune with His children. He created us to love and be loved by Him. He wants us to seek Him and spend time with Him. He is disappointed when we place Him low on our list of priorities. The church, Jesus followers, is the bride of Christ. He wants us to experience the sweet romance He died and sacrificed himself for us to have.
Father, it keeps us to know that you see us and are concerned about our lives. Not that we are deserving of your consideration, but because you love us so much that you sent your only son, Jesus to restore our relationship with you. It blesses us to know that we have a best friend in you. We are so grateful for your Spirit that resides in us. We depend on your Spirit to give us the strength, joy, peace and love required for each and every day. We love you so much and we are so grateful that you loved us first and best. We are blessed and our children are also blessed. Father we daily surrender our lives into your hands. We do not wish to travel any road that your Spirit is not leading.
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for being with us on life’s journey. We only wish we had learned to surrender control of our lives to you decades ago. The rough patches on life’s journey are what draw us closer to you. Serious challenges and traumatic events, help us to realize importance of seeking the embrace of Your Spirit. Each year of our journey we learned to trust you more, until eventually we cannot live this life without your loving intervention. You bring sanity to ciaos. Thank you for having our backs, our lives. This is my prayer.
Jesus said he would return for us and He will as surely as He promised. People have been attempting to predict the return of Jesus for centuries. Jesus said soon, but God’s timing is not as ours. 2 Peter 3:8 (NIV) “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”
Only our Heavenly Father knows the timing of Jesus’ return. He is merciful and wants all of His children to desire to have a personal intimate relationship with Him. He wants us to desire to be with Him for eternity. Our Heavenly Father wants us trust Him. He is patient, loving and kind. Therefore, He is waiting for us, and while waiting, He is here in Spirit to guide His followers through our Earthly lives.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 (MSG) 11 “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. 12 When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. 13 When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, 14 I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. “I’ll turn things around for you… You can count on it.”
While He knows our needs and has prepared blessings for us, He wants us to ask Him for what we need. He wants us to pray according to the promises written in His word, the Bible. That type of prayer is conformation that we believe and accept His plan for our lives.