SIMPLE LOVE

Over and over recently I've been awakened in the mornings with the strains of an old hymn going through my mind:  There's A Wideness in God's Mercy Like the Wideness in His Sea.  The hymn was not particularly a favorite of mine and I was surprised the first morning it came back to me.  Then several mornings later the same thing happened, and again, then again.  I figured the Lord must want me to learn something, so I looked it up in a hymnal and read through it but nothing struck my fancy until I came to the last verse:  If our love were but more simple, we would take Him at His Word.

Aha -- that word SIMPLE jumped right out at me.  My husband and I have been discussing lately that perhaps we make it more difficult than it really is to receive the fulfillment of God's promises.  I began pondering what SIMPLE love really is.  How, I wondered, can I make my love more simple?  Isn't love something you'd want to grow greater and bigger and stronger?

My mind went back to a little over six years ago when Rex and I were married -- it was a first marriage for me at the age of 75.  Friends told me marriage would never work for me.  They claimed I had been single too long.  I had been my own boss and made my own decisions, and was boss at the office, etc., etc.  But I knew, as did Rex, that marriage was destined for the two of us.  Acquaintances gave me six months max!  Now we're heading into a seventh year of marital bliss that grows stronger with each passing day.  It's such a relief not to have to make my own deicions any more about when to buy gas for the car, or when to buy another car, or keep my checkbook balanced and pay the bills or make sure I don't overdraw my bank account, or get the car serviced.  The endless list goes on and on.

As I reflected upon our love, I asked myself, Why do I love the man?  Do I love him for the things he does for me?  Suddenly it hit me, although I appreciate all the responsiblity he takes and all the things he does for me such as driving me around to all my doctor appointments or wherever else I want to go, that's not why I love him.  I'd love him whether he did those things or not.  So why do I love him?  I'll tell you why.  I love him FOR WHO HE IS!!  HE'S MY HUSBAND!!  It's just that plain and simple!  And if he says he is going to take me out to dinner, I know I can trust him to keep his word and I make plans accordingly.  If he says we're going on vacation, I don't question him.  I know to start getting ready!  (That doesn't mean we don't discuss and decide things together, for we often do!)

Now, why can't I transfer that kind of love to God?  God's blessings are abundant and above measure, but is that why I love Him?  And suddenly it hit me -- I love God FOR WHO HE IS!  He's the Creator of the universe; but He's also the Savior of my soul!  And if my love for God is as simple as my love for my husband, can I not trust Him to keep His Word as much as I trust my husband?

When Jesus says in John 16:23 Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you, is my love simple enough to trust Him to confirm His Word to me?  When He promises in Exodus 15:26 I am the Lord that healeth thee is my love simple enough to put my healing in His hands knowing He will fulfill His Word to me in His way, in His time?

How simple is your love?  Simple enough to trust God to keep ALL His promises to YOU?

Preacher's Kid