You shall also be [so beautiful and prosperous as to be thought of as] a crown of glory and honor in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem [exceedingly beautiful] in the hand of your God. -Isaiah 62:3
I used to follow royal weddings, especially princess Diana’s marriage to Charles III and then later with Megan Markle married prince Henry (I know, cheesy right?). There was something in my heart that loved the story of royal kings or princes wooing women who weren’t royalty. I think many women once identified with the classic story of Cinderella as little girls for this reason.
One day, I realized that my interest in the British monarch was getting a bit out of hand. I found myself daily reading articles and watching clips of the news surrounding this family.
I wanted to know what was required of female rulers. I wondered where they attended etiquette school? And what were the social graces that were expected of them? I was interested in discovering who taught them kingdom laws and who taught them how to walk, wave, smile and speak with feminine elegance?
I especially loved the wedding dresses and inside my heart, I began to dream of what it would be like to be a princess destined to become a queen.
Then Jesus lovingly intervened (like He typically does when my affections lean elsewhere) and told me that I was living in a love story greater than any royal family. He told me that my heavenly dress far superseded all that I had ever seen and that His love for me was greater than any prince’s love for his beloved. He also reminded me that He is the King of kings and Lord lords, meaning that his wealth, prestige, power, glory and fame far surpasses all monarchs who existed or ever will exist.
That was all I needed.
My limerence with the royal family ended there.
The ivory idol that was growing in my heart tumbled down when I realized the golden glory of Jesus’s love as my heavenly Bridegroom. It was like I was transfixed on a plastic toy castle, only to have Jesus lift my chin so I could see a glowing palace floating in the sky.
Search Your Heart
What Jesus has for you is far better than anything you can imagine for your life on earth.
I think it’s so easy for our hearts to become entangled in the things of this world rather than on our Savior, our Healer, our Redeemer, our Elder Brother, our Friend, our heavenly Bridegroom and the Lover of our souls.
The human heart is prone to idolatry (to put things and people before God). A study of the biblical books of: Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel are a testimony to this.
Maybe you’ve never been obsessed with royal weddings, but maybe you’ve become too invested in work, hobbies, goals, school, entertainment (television, video scrolling, social media, etc)?
All addiction is a form of idolatry.
We all have something that, if left unchecked, can crowd out a place in our hearts that only belongs to Jesus. I encourage you to ask Jesus if you are putting anything or anyone before him and then take time to listen to what he might say.
Whatever you do, don’t condemn yourself, but invite Jesus to show you how he is better than whatever has too much of your heart.
A Prayer to Turn Wholly Back to Jesus
Here is an example prayer:
Dear Jesus,
You are my wonderful Lord, and Savior. I acknowledge you as the Lover of my soul, my living bread and water. The One who promised me that if I partake of you, that I will never hunger or thirst. I thank You for showing me the greatest love when you laid down your life for me.
Jesus, I want to love you with the same love that you have shown me. I acknowledge that you are worthy of all my heart. You are the One who saved me. You gave your life so that I can be born-again in you and have eternal life.
I ask you, Jesus, to show me if there are any idols in my heart. I invite you, Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, to reveal the secret things of my heart, things that I might not even be aware of. Show me how I might be acting unfaithfully toward my heavenly Father and toward Jesus. Reveal to me now, what has been hidden in the dark. I choose to listen to you now, without becoming defensive, without giving into guilt or shame, and without trying to rush our time together.
….. take time to listen….
Thank you so much, Holy Spirit, for showing me what has been crowding out my affection for Jesus. Thank you for showing me what has been in competition with the voice of my heavenly Father.
Abba, I give you these idols now (name the things the Holy Spirit revealed to you). Please forgive me for losing sight of how wonderful you are and for giving to something else, what belongs to you. Forgive me for mixing up my priorities. I receive your forgiveness now. Thank you that your mercy is new every morning and that you are merciful toward me (Lamentations 3:22-23, Psalm 145:8).
Father. I ask that you take the place of these idols in my soul. You are my divine Shepherd, and I want to follow you so that I will never be in want (Psalm 23:1). Unite my hear solely to worship you. Lead me into a faithful love relationship with you that leaves no room for idols. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in your way (Psalm 119: 37).
Jesus, I ask that you show me how wonderful your love is. I ask that you show me how you can fulfill me. You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. Nothing else can fill your place. Show me how we are united. Wrap your arms around me. Woo my heart to yours. Deepen our relationship. Let me be a woman after your own heart. Fulfill the prayer you prayed for your disciples and make me one with you and the Father as you are one with the Father (John 17:21). You are worthy of nothing less. Show me how you love me and help me to keep my inner self pure for you.
In Jesus name, amen.
Now enjoy time with him.
A Heavenly Love Story for You
You [Judah] shall no more be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land be called Desolate any more. But you shall be called Hephzibah [My delight is in her], and your land be called Beulah [married]; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married [owned and protected by the Lord]. -Isaiah 62:4
Like many women, I love a good romance story and there’s nothing wrong with this (as long as it is in its proper place). But one thing I’ve learned is that nothing else satisfies us like the love we receive from God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. No other love compares to perfect love (1 John 4:16-18).
This is what my upcoming book, The Sacred Wooing is all about. It is a love story, written to reveal captivating glimmers of the eternal love of Jesus for his earthly bride (that’s you/the church).
May Jesus use this snippet to draw your heart closer to his as you discover more and more how much he loves you (if you’re interested in being a part of the launch team, please see the link below):
Beach Scene
Suddenly, the room changed. A refreshing ocean breeze pulled on the scintillating white robe I wore. Jesus stood beside me, barefoot and gazing upon the waters with a broad smile. Gentle waves lapped the shore. The smoothness of the beautiful beige colored sand reminded me of sheets on a bed. Lush mountains stood like massive emeralds along the shoreline. Tropical flowers and fruit glittered along the mountains like polychromatic gems.💎
Everything here was made from peace, joy, and righteousness. The Father’s Spirit was tangible in everything. The waves appeared like jade glass with aquamarine splashed inside. Every time one rose to meet the sun, sweet laughter like wind flutes tickled the air. 💐
“What are you feeling, beloved?”
A wave rolled in, scattering shiny shells across the sand that gleamed in the sun. ☀️
The wet shore reflected sunlight like liquid crystal.
When I didn’t respond, Jesus said, “I created you to be surrounded by wonderful beauty. Your soul was created to experience and dwell in heaven’s blisses.”
“I don’t feel like I belong,” I murmured.
“Do you think this place is too beautiful for me?”
“No!” That was my immediate response. I knew nothing was too good for Jesus.
“I live in you.”
A small and unexpected gasp escaped my lips. A divine sense of worth filled my soul.
Jesus picked up an oyster and opened it, revealing a large pink pearl. “You are not a beggar, my daughter, my betrothed bride, my treasure.”
Click here to learn how you can join the launch team.
Click here to join The Sacred Wooing Heart to Heart Facebook Community.
May God bless you and may Jesus lead you into a deeper love relationship with Him!
xoxo