I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me. Song of Sol. 7:10 (NIV)
And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Luke 20:34-35 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, it’s February 14th, Valentine’s Day—a day for celebrating the gift, wonder, and beauty of romantic love. It stirs within us tremendous gratitude for the seasons, chapters, and moments we enjoy, as young and aging lovers. But something much deeper is quickened as well.
On the Calendar of Grace, today is the perfect day for remembering and reveling in the only love better than life. Your great love for us in the Gospel is the meaning, measure, and magnificence of the intimacy and affection we ceaselessly crave.
No human being (or any number of them), no great romance, no torrid love affair can fill the vacuum inside us, uniquely reserved for you. Our sweetest relationships, healthiest marriages, and most endearing friendships are just a hint and whisper of what belonging to you actually means, Jesus.
Grant us grace to grow a deeper and richer experience of belonging to you. For you are the ultimate Spouse, the one we always wanted—the one with whom we will enjoy perfect connection, bliss, and joy forever. Make this good news more than our theology. Make it our doxology—our song of joy and über-delight.
Restore to us the joy of our salvation, and the love we felt when we first met you, Jesus. Until the Day you return, take us deeper into heart-engaging, joy-fueling, life-transforming relationship with you. May your love define and fuel all other loves—in our marriages and singleness, when life’s easy and when it’s not. So very Amen we pray, Jesus, in your most kind and loving name.
