I am coming to find that the greatest gifts within this world are those pictures of God and His relationship to His children. Again and again, God reveals Himself to me through concrete, earthly examples that I can see and understand. He doesn't simply give us words about Himself and then requires our reason to grasp them. He gives us pictures and life that is permeated by images of Himself.
Long-distance engagement has been very difficult at times, but it has also revealed more things about my heart and the way I think than I knew or expected. I am coming to realize that I have a tendency to want Travis to need me, and I am certain of his love when it feels like he needs me to exist or to love him. It comes out in small ways, such as when I want a phone call so that I am sure that he needs me and therefore still loves me. I think this is a typical tendency in women, to desire security and certainty through feeling needed and being assured that their spouse isn't going anywhere because he needs her.
This thinking, and its sinful arrogance, struck me yesterday. It also provides a powerful understanding of our relationship with Christ. Christians are always told that God doesn't need us, or anything else. We hear that he is not "served by human hands, as though he needed anything," (Acts 17) yet we easily think and act as if he needs us. It is hard to believe that His love is freely given, overflowing, and without end. Yet how much more of a miracle is God's love when we realize that He doesn't need us, yet He chooses to love us fully and completely. Security comes when we believe in His love for us, and when we trust His character to love us as a gift, not because He is in need of us.
In a small way, Travis' love—although imperfect—can reflect this truth. When I stop and think about it, I don't want Travis to love me because He needs me. Far beyond that love is the love that reflects Christ and His bride: a love that is unmerited, freely given, and unceasing. We trust and love God by believing in His love for us. Belief is a trust in God's character as "gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." (Psalm 145) In the same way, I best love Travis when I am quick to believe the best of his character and intentions towards me.
2 comments:
This post reminded me of Dr. Westblade's Intro to Western Religions class. He told us once that our God is the only one who doesn't "need" us. Earlier religious tales would talk about gods who needed their people...all kinds of crazy things like how they had to "eat" children so they could continue existing. Do you remember that? It's been a long time, sorry this isn't Hillsdale clear. Our God just loves us because, He doesn't expect us to work for him. If we do, that's wonderful. But it's not an expectation.
It's a good reminder for me when I get all emotional and think "I've been such a bad Christian, there's no way God is watching out for me now." He's always there, regardless of what you did yesterday or last week or today.
Anyways, just what your post reminded me of =) Happy Friday!
This was needed and beautiful, Shannon. Your words are honey to my soul.
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