Valentine’s Day can have an entirely new meaning when we consider who wants our heart. Shelly explains.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).
I love this verse. The New Living Translation actually reads: My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.
From cradle to grave, there are so many things that we want to be. A dancer, a firefighter, a parent, a spouse. Some of those dreams come true, some remain dreams, and some morph into deeper and stronger realities.
There are so many things that find their way into our identities, that we never wanted to be. An addict, a sinner, ill, alone. We find ourselves facing circumstances that we had no plans for, that we could never feel prepared for.
Through all of these dreams and realities there is only one thing that Jesus has ever asked of us. He has never dictated our profession or our goals. Christ has never demanded that we follow a certain route, and there are sufferings He does not rescue us from.
But there is one thing He just won’t budge on. One thing on which He insists. No matter the clutter of the rest of our lives, there’s one thing we must be in order to satisfy God’s requirements.
That one thing is: Be Mine.
That’s it. Just “Be Mine.”
“All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before My Father and His angels that they are mine” (Revelation 3:5)
Isn’t the most romantic Valentine you’ve ever heard? He writes your name in the Book of Life. Mine looks something like this:
Shelly + Jesus = 4Ever <3
Do you belong to Him yet? If not, then the invitation is for you. He’s the Lover of your soul.
And He whispers, “Be Mine.”
Prayer: Valentine, You overwhelm us with Your acceptance. You pour Your unfailing love out to us so generously, so tenderly. We thank You, and we love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author:
Shelly Hendricks is a wife and mother of 2 amazing kids. She was a teacher and a librarian in another life. She also suffers from Intracranial Hypertension, Interstitial Cystitis, and Essential Tremor. She had brain surgery in 2012 and now considers herself to be a ‘bionic woman’ who is learning to walk again. Disability has been hard to deal with, but she depends on God for all strength and hopes to encourage others on this journey, through her blog at http://reneweddaily.com
Have you considered that the Lord wants to be your Valentine?
In this song, “O God of Mine” Rita Springer sings some precious words I am sure will touch you. Shelly thought you would be blessed by this song, as well as the video, that has some beautiful imagery of nature. -Lisa
Thank you Shelly,i love the verse psalm 73 26, always have.Yes Jesus is my valentine know greater love..How perfect for valentines day, love the song and viideo to.
Laura, you have the best Valentine there is. And He loves you with a deep and abiding love. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Thank you Sheely & Lisa, what a beautful, hope-filled song & message.
I am reminded of that verse of scripture in Revelations 2:17, that in Heaven, those He has saved will recieve a white stone, with a new name written on it, for me, and for you, straight from the hand of God.
Love,
Lesetta
Thank you for that beautiful reminder, Lesetta!! I can’t wait! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Thank you so much for this message. Thank you.
Sheli, I love that we share a name! 🙂 Thank you for blessing me with you encouraging comment. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Shelly, thank you for this lovely reflection. Somehow I missed it yesterday, but I am soo glad for it today! I’ve bookmarked it for future reference, too. I am His, and it brings me great joy to be! I too really like the NLT rendering of Psalm 73.26. Such a terrific verse for those of us with physical infirmities to remember!
Diane, God’s timing is always perfect, isn’t it? No such thing as missed. 🙂 Thank you for encouraging me with your comment! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Shelly, I’ve never heard God’s love for me described quite this way. But it’s beautiful! He really is our one and only True Love, isn’t He? Pure, unconditional, gracious and costly! What could be more wonderful than to hear God say to us, “Be mine.”?!
Thank you Shelly.
Dear Shelly
When I think of how our Lord used my illness to open my eyes and ears to hear His loving invitation, I can see it for the blessing in disguise it really is. Sort of a gift of love!
Blessings XX
Mia
Beth, thank you for blessing me with your comment! I can’t think of anything sweeter to hear Him say than, “Be Mine”. Makes me smile all over. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Mia, He definitely loves you!! I’m so glad you found Him. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I am His and He is mine! I can count on Him forever and always…His love never fails!
Hi Joan! 🙂 Yes!!! Love it! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
the perfect valentine- Mary + Jesus 4ever <3
Loved this post Shelly.
Love the pics with this song too
Oh God of mine, forever faithful, these eyes upon your face will gaze…… can't wait to see the lover of my soul face to face……
Won’t that be a precious thing to see, Mary! I can’t wait! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Beautiful!! Simple truth proclaimed! Thanks dear Shelly. LOTSoluv Kerryn ♥
Thanks for always being such an encouragement to me, Kerryn! Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Caught those heart hugs! Thanks Shelly. 🙂
We all miss you on the Laughter group in the Sunroom & are continuing to pray for your recovery from the surgery. We’re thankful that you’re resting. I do hope that you’re feeling a little better each day dear friend. Take care. Lotsoluv Kerryn ♥
The surgery recovery is going very well. However, the surgery set me up as a “host” for infections. At last count, I have a double ear, sinus, bladder, and kidney infection. They are testing for more serious ones, and I’m on lots of meds. I appreciate the prayers so much, and hope to be back in the Sunroom soon! <3
Oh no! I’ll pass on your prayer needs to the prayer group Shelly. Didn’t want you to feel rushed to go back. Just letting you know you’re not forgotten there. LOTSoluv Kerryn xoxo