The Love of Your Life, the Love of Your Soul

The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”
~Jeremiah 31:3

And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so your God will rejoice over you.
~Isaiah 62:5

Dear Molly,

I, like you, had the privilege of marrying the love of my life.

I am so thankful to be married to my “knight-in-shining armor.” In the very early stages of “wedded bliss,” I learned my first lesson concerning marriage. After only a few months, I became very aware of the fact that my “knight” was human. He got tired; he made mistakes; sometimes, he failed me completely. I became confused and disappointed because I thought he was to be the one to “fill my cup.” I expected him to meet my every need. Where had the in-love feeling of the anticipating engagement gone? The “happily ever after” had been invaded too quickly by the reality of life. Mac’s love letters were replaced with the hard, exhausting work of a medical resident. I was in a new city, away from all family. As a newlywed, life with my love was hard; and I was lonely.

I, like you, have the privilege of knowing the Love of my soul.

But God, in his compassion, used this time to draw me closer to Him and His perfect love. Learning of His deep love for my soul has been the basis of everything else God has taught me concerning life and marriage. In His Word, and over time and maturity, He has clearly shown His unfailing love – for me! I both know and believe … He calls me by name … He draws me with loving-kindness … He rejoices over me with singing … He always sees me as a bride … He fills my cup, my every need. God’s love for me does not fail. He has become my constant, my rock, my portion. Knowing Jesus’ love for my soul allows me to let go of the unattainable expectations I humanly tend to place on my husband. When these expectations have been lifted off Mac’s shoulders, I then can enjoy him; and he enjoys me.

Molly, I encourage you to seek and continually find the “great mystery” of life, Jesus Christ. His love for you is incredible, intentional, and infallible. Ryan’s love for you is a sweet reflection of this love; but the love of Christ is the real thing! Let the Lord Jesus be your satisfier, your security, and your stability so your husband can be your companion, your soul-mate, and your treasure. I pray Christ’s unfailing love will be the perfect bond of unity that ties your marriage together. Because then, you will live joyfully ever after, no matter the circumstances.

Love, Chris

“And I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in loving-kindness and in compassion, and I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord.”
~Hosea 2:19-20