Driven By Love

Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you,
I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life. Isaiah 43:4 (New American Standard Bible)

When someone is precious, honored, and loved by you, the sky is the limit when it comes to what you would do for them. Theirs is a relationship you not only treasure but one which you maintain and keep well guarded. When something seems “off” you take steps to correct it and when necessary do whatever it takes for there to be reconciliation and peace. That is the very thing that drove me to make a phone call last night. Something seemed strained in a relationship that has become precious to me and fear of losing it moved me to action. As it turned out, my friend wasn’t upset with me in the least. An area of stress in her life was being misread by me. I had once again assumed the worst. As we spoke I regained a sense of peace and security. When I hung up the phone, I was filled with a huge sense of relief as well as a deep desire to uphold her in prayer. While God and I will spend the day confronting some of my insecurities and fears that make their way into relationships, I have awoken this morning rejoicing and reveling in this one I highly treasure.

God is using that experience to show me a reflection of Himself. Relationship with His children is a top priority for Him. Because we are precious, honored, and loved, He continually reaches out to us in order to draw us to Himself. This morning could be a “fill in the blank” kind of day and the verse could be read as follows: “Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you I will ____________________.” Oh the things we could write on that line!

He daily loads us with blessings and benefits. He graciously forgives our sin. He corrects and chastens us. He instructs us in the night seasons. He shepherds us. He keeps His hands and His eye on us. He brings about His plans and purposes for our lives. He convicts us of sin. He speaks to us and probes our hearts. He crosses our path with significant people. He gifts us with talents and abilities. He uses us in profound ways. He stays with us. He transforms us. He guards and guides us. He hears and answers our prayers. He keeps His word to us. He showers us with grace, mercy, and loving kindness. He comes to our defense. He accepts us.

The phone call to my friend last night was one way of saying, “You mean the world to me!” All of God’s actions say the same. As I embrace that truth I am changed!

Father, thank you for a love like yours! Amen.

Stubborn Love - Amy Grant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bajcq1jz15M&feature=related