Do you believe you are cherished by Jesus?
Years ago, as I was writing, the Lord showed me something that helped heal a part of my soul. I pray you hear Him speaking to you as well. This scene is from my newest book, The Sacred Wooing (Discovering the Bridegroom Love of Jesus), which is scheduled for release by Kingdom Winds later this year.
For updates on the novel, join my FB group of Jesus lovers (I will be posting devotionals, prayers, worship sessions, and heartfelt questions in the next few weeks after Elise is born):
May you experience the ardent and curative pursuit of a God whose heart is vaster and wider and deeper than you’ve ever imagined!
The moon was luminous against the orange glow of the hemisphere, and the stars twinkled like polished gems. Each boulevard and street was like a gleaming portal to a new world, and I felt like a little girl during the holidays—full of excitement and anticipation.
Jesus asked if I wanted something from my favorite tea shop along the way. I nodded, and he made a left turn at Star Street.
I was quiet as he drove. Although no words were uttered, I basked in his healing presence. He didn’t have to speak; just being with him was enough. His very ambiance was like a sauna of internal ointment. He was my home, the embodiment of heaven’s love. I wanted nothing more than to be with him.
Jesus smoothly parallel parked the car. After unbuckling his seat belt, he looked at the twinkling sky. “It will snow soon.”
“That’s my favorite,” I said. “The first snowfall. It’s so pure and white.”
Jesus grinned, “I’m glad you like it, darling.”
A sheepish smile lifted my cheeks, “Thanks for making it. By you all things were made.”
“I like it, too.” He said, admiring his handiwork. Each snowflake was a tiny, frozen crystallized piece of art. No two were the same.
I chortled, “I imagine if you made it, you would.”
His smile became endearing, yet a faint glint of sadness gleamed in his vibrant eyes. “Then why do so many of my children feel bad about themselves and hinder themselves from receiving my love and affection?”
I fell silent. “An artist cherishes his art. If human artists who create care so much about their work, how much do you think I care about you?”
I wanted to stretch out my hands and give him a picture of what I thought the answer might be, but instead I voiced, “I could never describe how much.”
“Then perhaps you’re beginning to understand. It’s beyond human comprehension without divine interpretation from my Spirit. Noelani, the core of all insecurity is the belief that security lies in anything or anyone other than me. If people really knew how much my Father and I loved them, they would have no fears, no mental or emotional torment.”
His words brought questions to my mind.
Why did people feel bad about themselves? Why did I so often feel bad about myself? If all of the creation was art by the Master Artist, then shouldn’t we all rejoice?
When we reached the coffee shop, Jesus reached for my hand. When I grasped his, the feeling of his crucifixion scar made my heart lurch. Jesus squeezed my grip tighter. “My wounds no longer hurt,” he whispered. “I only keep them as a reminder of my love for the world.”
Scripture References:
-Ephesians 2:10, Revelation 4:11, 1 John 4:18
Book Synopsis
Heaven is prepared for the most joyful wedding feast, but only one thing is missing—the bride. Noelani, a mortal woman with the divine spark of eternity inside her, is troubled by an ancient evil plotting her downfall. Battle-worn, she begins to lose her only connection to her kingly groom, her faith.
All seems lost until her powerful groom knocks on her door and invites her to take his hand on a journey that will bring out her deepest fears and cause her enemies to double their attacks. Will her faith endure to the end?
Worship
A beautiful song that illustrates how God shows His love to us through creation is: Love So Holy by Kari Jobe. I pray you enjoy this song and that the Lord ministers to you.