My middle son, Chad was married on Saturday. I sat in the front row watching the groom only moments before seeing his bride. He stood tall and handsome, looking a bit nervous. Then the music started, all stood to their feet, as Katie, the bride walked down the aisle arm in arm with her father. Oh she was a sight to behold! What a lovely bride.
Even though all eyes were on the bride, my heart tugged at me to look back at the groom. I have a confession to make. I do this at every wedding. There is something so precious about seeing the eyes of a man about to marry the woman who will be his partner for life.
So I turned and looked, seeing my son’s watery blue eyes that were fixed on his soon-to-be wife. Eyes that said a thousand ‘I LOVE YOUs’. Eyes that could look nowhere else. It was a moment that I will cherish forever.
It’s a deep desire by each one of us have someone look upon us with such love. Nothing on earth compares to it. In fact, love has been called the most powerful force on earth. And why wouldn’t it be when our creator refers to Himself as LOVE (1 John 4:8).
God looks upon each of us as a young groom looks upon his new bride.
God looks upon YOU that way.
Would you do me a favor? Let that soak in for a moment.
Just as a man asks a woman for her hand in marriage, God asks each of us for our heart. It is not an arranged marriage. We have a choice whether we want to give our lives to Him. God uses the imagery of marriage to demonstrate His desire to love us on a level that human marriage cannot compare to. It only foreshadows the unconditional love that He desires to lavish on each person who would desire it.
Even though Chad is madly in love with Katie, he will let her down. And she will let him down too. I have done it many times to the people I love. I’m sure that you can say the same. But the love that God offers us goes far beyond the endearing love of a new bride and groom.
God cannot love you any less or any more than He does right now. Even if you don’t “feel” close to Him. Even if it’s been years since you have spoken to Him. Even if you doubt that He exists. No matter what you have said or done, God loves you.
What is your response today to this extravagant love?
Maybe it’s thanking Him. Maybe it’s time to stop running away from Him and run towards Him. Maybe it’s asking for forgiveness. Or maybe you have never given your heart to Him. Whatever the case is for you, HE is waiting with His arms open wide.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSATOECyIYw
you go girl!! So proud of you for your consistency!
Thanks for your “consistent” encouragement, my friend!
I love this. In fact, doing a study on Hosea and Gomer and this imagery came to mind.
And speaking of Hosea and Gomer, one of my all time favs by Francine Rivers, Redeeming Love! You are the one who encouraged me to read it years ago, my friend.
I love this! Congrats on Chad’s wedding! Bobby gets married next week. Your post inspired me. Oh, and I always look at the groom, too, for the exact same reason. Thanks for sharing this! Blessings!
Thanks Jean! I’ll be praying that you are able to be “present” at Bobby’s wedding and enjoy every moment. Appreciate your comment.
There is that heart showing through again; your heart, so open, so receptive, so perceptive with such a unique way of gathering scenes and thoughts assimilating them into words and messages and creating such beautiful pictures for the rest of us. So beautifully written Beckie.
Ron, Your comment made my whole evening! Thanks for encouraging me. I’m so glad to know you.
I read Redeeming Love also. Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing your biblical insight on marriage. You may consider counseling couples in your church preparing to marry. We were premarital counselors in our church and learned from the experience. Many blessings to your son and his wife as they begin the next chapter.
Thanks for your kind words and suggestion of premarital counseling. I actually have done a bit of marriage mentoring and it was a blessing.
This is beautiful! I attended a wedding as well this past Wed. and I have to admit, I do/did the same thing… I find myself glancing back at the groom and love observing his reaction to seeing his bride. Thank you for the reminder of God’s love and how He looks at all of His children in the same loving way. God has given you a special gift Beckie. Thank you for sharing His insight with us through your words.
Thanks for reading and for your kind words, Shari!
Lovely article, almost as lovely as the mother of the groom.
Thanks April!