UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was originally posted on February 14, 2013
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“Love Beyond Valentine’s Day”
Psalm 17:6-9
“I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. 7 Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings 9 from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.”
On this Valentine’s Day, many will express their love for that special someone with a box of chocolates and a bouquet of roses. Sweet to the palate and pleasing to the senses, these gifts are delightful—but they quickly fade.
Here, David asks God to show the wonder of His great love by protecting him from those who seek to harm him. Yet if we base God’s love solely on how often He rescues us in the ways we imagine, disappointment will eventually follow. God does not always deliver us according to our script.
There is, however, one unfailing way to know that we are the apple of God’s eye. Paul puts it like this: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). That love will never perish; it is eternally secure.
Remember that billions of people on this earth don’t believe in Christ—but you do. That’s special. Why you? For now, simply enjoy the wonder of it.
Prayer: Dear God, before I begin this day, I confess my tendency to take Your love for granted. As if the gift of faith—the grace to believe in Your Son—were not enough, I often complain about my circumstances, especially when I compare myself to others. Forgive me, Lord. Help me to recognize each day that the love You have shown in Christ is more than sufficient for me. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 14-15