February is the month of love, and whether single, married, or somewhere in between, every Christian has a love story to celebrate. But in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for Christians to put their relationship with God on the back burner. Here are a few elements to incorporate in your life to help spark that romance with your First Love once again.
Look to Him
When Jesus was on the earth, He said that He only did what He saw the Father do (John 5:19). The Son of God patterned His life after keeping His focus on the Father. Are you overwhelmed with stress? Look to Him for your rest and peace (John 14:27). Are you trapped in a dead-end job and don’t know where to turn next? Look to Him as your way-maker and liberty (Deut. 31:8). Do you want to take the family on a vacation but can’t fit it into the budget? Look to God as your provider (Phil. 4:19). You’ll find in every circumstance, as you turn to Him, that He has kept His eyes faithfully on you.
Overcome Obstacles
The bride in Song of Solomon (symbolic of the bride of Christ, the church) speaks to her beloved, “Take us [catch] the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes” (Song 2:15, brackets added). In the New Testament, Jesus echoes the problem with these same “foxes” when He teaches about how “the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of [desires for] other things entering in, choke the word”(Mark 4:19, brackets added). Ask God to reveal any areas in your life that drain your energy and distract you from developing your relationship with Him.
Value Him
The American Heritage Dictionary defines value as “to regard highly; esteem.” When you place value on God first in all areas, it reminds your heart of whom your source really is. The Bible specifically talks about valuing God in a couple of areas. Giving is one of these areas. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21). Tithing and giving are acts of worship and show that you place value on God as your provider. Another area of valuing God is through your obedience. John 14:15 says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Make it a practice in your life to immediately obey the Word of God. First Samuel 15:22 says that obedience is better than sacrifice. So, let God’s Word be your safeguard. Following it will keep your heart soft toward Him and make it easier to hear Him.
Embrace His Presence
More important than your outward behavior is your heart. The first step to embracing His presence is to spend time with Him. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” When pursuing God with your time, it’s not just about reading the Bible; it’s understanding that you are spending time with Him and opening up your heart to let Him speak to you. Pick a verse that really speaks to you and go take a stroll. As you walk, meditate on that verse and on His goodness. You will be amazed at the things He will reveal to you as you spend time with Him and develop your relationship with Him.
Remember your First Love this February. His heart is always for you, even if you’ve wandered away from the closeness of that relationship. As you turn your affections back to Him, you’ll find He never left.
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