Do You Love Me?

Last week I seized the opportunity for one of those rare ‘me’ days. A day for me and just me, to do whatever I like.

The sun was shining and it was the warmest day of the year - so far. Such a relief after the icy cold winter. It felt good not having to wear a coat and I could even rejoice in relative freedom of movement, as my muscle discomfort was at a low ebb.

I drove to the clearing in the forest, which surprisingly, considering the weather, was deserted. The two staff of the Bistro in the Woods were sunning themselves outside, waiting for customers. Sinking into one of their leather sofas in the cosy cottage interior, I leafed through the country-style upmarket periodicals while waiting for my order. A steaming bowl of homemade soup and crusty bread soon appeared. Between mouthfuls I savoured the delicious peace that slowly descended, a peace that grew and lasted well beyond the soup and coffee that followed and into the afternoon.

Next, a move down the road to a large garden open to the public and famed for it’s display of spring blossom. The camellias were still holding their own, but the magnificent magnolias were in full bloom, the best for several years. The giant white, cream and pink petals contrasted with the bare branches and glistened in the sunshine.

As I drank in the beauty all around me the following words came, like a heart whisper, “Do you love Me more than this?” It sounded like I was being pursued by a jealous lover. But then I was and He is.

I felt no rebuke or guilt. After all, I believed that this whole day was God-arranged, just for me and I was actually enjoying it with Him. But these words touched the longing within me and was a reminder that my priority is a love affair with the Creator and not His creation.

If our happiness and satisfaction rests primarily in anything other than in God, then we will miss out and eventually be disappointed.

The following song came to mind:

Abba Father, let me be
Yours and Yours alone.
May my will for ever be
Evermore Your own.
Never let my heart grow cold,
Never let me go.
Abba Father, let me be Yours and
Yours alone.

"He's a fiercely jealous lover." James 4:5