Saturday, November 8, 2008

Love Dare- Day 21!!

Yesterday's Followup: Write about what this experience has been like for you. Even if you are only renewing your commitment to receive and express His love, what has He shown you today?

Love is Satisfied in God
The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire. -Isaiah 58:11

You need God every single day. He alone can satisfy, even when all else fails.

Everyday you place expectations on your spouse. Sometimes they meet them. Sometimes they don't. But never will they be able to totally satisfy all the demands you make on them- partly because some of your demands are unreasonable, partly because your mate is human.

God, however, is not. And those who approach Him in utter dependence each day for the real needs in their life are the ones who find out just how dependable He is.

Can you spouse give you an inner peace? No. But God can. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. " Philippians 4.6-7

Can your spouse enable you to be content no matter what life throws at you? No. But God can. "In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled... I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" Philippians 4.12-13

There are needs in your life only God can fully satisfy. Though your mate is able to complete some of these requirements- at least now and then- only God is able to do it all. Your need for love. Your need for acceptance. Your need for joy. It's time to stop expecting somebody or something to keep you functioning and fulfilled on a non-stop basis. Only God can do that as you learn to depend on Him. But He wants to do it His way. "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4.9

The needs of love, peace and adequacy are real. No one is saying you shouldn't have them. But rather than plugging into things that are unstable at best and are subject to change-your health, your money, even the affections and best intentions of your mate- plug into God instead. He's the only One in your life that can NEVER change. His faithfulness, His truth and His promises to His children will always remain. That's why you need to seek Him every day.

Our only reason for not doing this is because we really don't trust God to supply what we need. And yet the Bible says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37.4) When we are seeking Him first, loving Him first, making our relationship with Him top priority, He promises to supply us with what we really need- which, actually, is all it really takes to satisfy us.

Today's Dare

Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your Bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs (There are 31- a full month's supply), or reading a chapter in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John). As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises God has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with Him.

5 comments:

Denise said...

God is showing me more and more how much He loves me and my spouse.

Tracy said...

I didn't realize I forgot to put NIV on there until about 3 days after the poll was already up. There are so many versions out there I was having trouble remembering them all.

Thanks for participating ;o}

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

Hey friend,

I am just heading out the door...have been home all day going through the kids rooms. Not a joy filled day for any of us.

I will try and give you a jingle by Tuesday.

Love, me
p.s. I can do this dare tonight! Definitely one I can accomplish well.

Unknown said...

Hey Chelle,

I just wanted you to know Jared and I are still "in this". We missed a couple of days, because I flew up to PA for my Grandma's services, and he was away before, BUT, we are picking up where we left off and keeping the momentum...to the finish line.

I am so encouraged to continue to hear the steps you and hubby are taking...God will bless you in this, and there is so much hope deep, true, long-lasting transformation of your marriage because you both have the Lord LIVING in you! Love&hugs...

sailorcross said...

I just posted this day!! And a wonderful day this was--to read, remember and realize God's promises to me!!

Still playing catch up!!

Beth