A conversation with a friend this morning reminded me of the days before I was married. Being not that long ago, it is fairly easy for me to recall the many emotions that led up to the wedding day.

For many, many months, my desire was to be married, to call Brandon “mine” and it be true. Although I would have never verbalized it or even admitted it to myself, I saw my wedding day as the day when all of my hopes and dreams would come true and simultaneously the day all of my problems would be gone forever. (Haha–laughing at myself here!)

About a month into my marriage, I learned that nobody can  replace the love we have in Jesus. Nobody can perfectly represent His beauty. Even being married, I still have a deep longing for beauty, oneness and love that my husband cannot fulfill. Having known the unconditional love of the Lord for several years, it was easy to see that my husband could remind me of His love; however, he could not replace it.

My marriage with Brandon only exists to point me to a more permanent marriage, a more flawless love and a more beautiful future. When I believe that everything I need can be found only in Jesus, my heart overflows with grace and compassion towards my husband. Contrastingly, when I place my hope in Brandon’s approval and care for me, I find myself frustrated in his failures. It almost seems like God intended for us to first love Him. 😉

Today, I am extremely thankful that God showed us His love at the cross. I am thankful that His love is life-giving and better than any other. I am thankful that His love has nothing to do with my actions. I am thankful that His love will endure.

Jesus, give us grace to find our hope in Your love alone. 

Because Your love is better than life, my lips will praise You.    Psalm 63:3