Before we say “I do“, we totally believe that we are truly, madly, deeply in love. We’ve taken the time to get to know this person, and without a doubt know that they are our soulmate. We believe that they feel the same way about us too. So, as a couple we spend the time and money to prepare for the wedding; and when the big day arrives, we experience and remember the momentous, beautiful ceremony of marriage.

But, do we truly understand that marriage is a lifelong commitment? Do we really understand that feelings will come and go, be hot then cold, and that we must get on with the very real business of loving that person regardless and all that it means? Do we honestly know that being married must demonstrate an unconditional love, a dedicated commitment, and to the point of being ready to forgive, patiently serve, and sacrifice for them? If not, then when it gets too hard, or you don’t see eye to eye on important topics like money, children or work, then you lose that fickle passion and choose to quit on each other. Ultimately, you end up in divorce. So much for being in love with your soulmate.

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Mark 10:9

The same can be said of our relationship with God. There are times when you feel great joy, passion, and excitement about being a christian and following Jesus. You feel heard because He’s answering your prayers, and things are going smoothly. And then there are times when you don’t feel it. You don’t feel heard, or seen. It becomes harder to find the time to read in His Word, to take the time to pray about things and for others. It’s often just as easy to sleep in on Sundays and not attend church. But that doesn’t mean you say, “Well, that’s it. I’m not going to follow Jesus any more. I give up. It’s too hard.” Our Lord won’t ever say that to you, nor will He ever give up on you. He is fully committed.

The Bible doesn’t say, “The just shall live by feelings.” It does say, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17.

No, we won’t get it right all of the time. We might wander away, forget about our commitment to Him, and put ourselves first. Our feelings might change too. But walking with God takes faith, it takes commitment, and it takes consistency.

Sounds like a marriage, right? Well, we are called “The bride of Christ”!

“For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.”
Isaiah 54:5

Food for thought: Is your passion about Jesus the same now as it was when you first accepted Him into your heart? If not, sit down with Him and start talking. That is after all what prayer is: communication. Ask Him to renew your passion for what He is passionate about.

Fun fact: There are about 2.5 million marriages per year in the U.S. About 55% of marriages make their 15th anniversary, about 35% make their 25th anniversary, and only about 6% celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Photo by: unknown