Lord, You are the seal upon my heart.
Your love for me is stronger than death itself.
Topic of the Month: Love
Last month, my husband and I renewed our vows as we celebrated 25 years of marriage. It was a beautiful ceremony and joyous occasion. One definitely worthy of an extravagant celebration! Yes, our 25 years have been laden with many good times, but heart-wrenching worst-of-times, too. Many couples would have called it quits on any number of offenses we had committed, endured, and struggled through. Not so different than many marriages that have gone before us, and those that will endure many years beyond our own.
Numerous scriptures have strengthened and helped us endure in faith – hoping for and longing to experience God’s promises fulfilled in each other and in our marriage. “Show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins,” 1 Peter 4:8. “God said, ‘I will never leave you, nor forsake you,'” Hebrews 13:5. “Let no one split apart what God has joined together,” Mark 10:9. And, of course, 1 Corinthians 13, also known as “The Love Chapter.” Verse 7 says, “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
When the going gets rough, it is vitally important to find truths in the Bible that will strengthen us for that leg of our journey. We must have hope to cling to and a foundation of truth to base our faith upon in order to stand in the face of the fiery trials we will experience. None of us are immune to the tests and trials life will serve.
Another scripture that has helped me not just be mindful of and understand the power and strength of my covenant with my husband, but also, and moreso, God’s covenant with me: “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned” Song of Solomon 8:6-7.
A sign of the seal between a husband and wife is the wedding ring. This ring is an outward reminder of the inward commitment, promise, seal, and covenant entered between husband and wife. God has set His seal upon our hearts by the deposit of His spirit in our own hearts. He has committed Himself to us simply because He loves us so very much.
Most realize death as an absolute. Eventually all flesh will experience death. The scripture says love is as strong as death! Love will not – CANNOT – be denied. Romans 8:39 says NOTHING can separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Love is jealous, passionate, and burns the brightest flame. It cannot be quenched or drowned out. And it cannot be bought.
As I reflect on the journey my husband and I have traveled these past 25 years, I recognize we have experienced this love – this love that is as strong as death – a love that cannot be denied. I realize no matter how strong the disagreement may be between us, nothing can separate us. Further, I understand God loves us with the greatest, most passionate love. There is nothing that will ever quench or flood – end or destroy – His great love for us. He has written our names on the palms of His hands. He keeps us as the apple of His eye. He has created us, chosen us, called us simply so He can love us.
Never doubt the Father’s love for you. His seal is set upon your heart. His passion for you burns brighter than any flame. No “water” – nothing you do or don’t do – will ever put out or douse His flame of love for you. Know you are loved passionately by God!
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Ezekiel 36:26; Isaiah 49:16a; John 14 & 16; Zechariah 2:8; Haggai 2:23b
