by Sarah Earlene Shere, Hosanna Heralds, ©2023
(Feb. 17, 2023) — [See previous installments in this series here.]
February 19, 1864
Dear Child,
I have felt it laid upon my heart by our Lord to address the subject of worship.
You have mentioned, in the past, a concern that your devotion to your beloved may replace your devotion to Christ. You are wise to be mindful…and prayerful. After all, scripture warns us that the married person becomes concerned with the things of the world (pleasing their spouse and such), whereas a single person can more easily give their full attention to their Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 7:33-34). But take heart, for there is always a balance.
The previous scriptures also say that they who are married should live as if they were not married (1 Corinthians 7: 28-31). Of course, this is not condoning a promiscuous lifestyle. Rather, the Apostle Paul is telling us to live our lives focused on the spiritual battle, the saving of souls, the nurturing of the saints, being single minded, not letting the things of this earth (such as marriage) tie us down to it and distract us away from the eternal perspective. Such a life is possible.
How can I begin to describe the total ecstasy that can be experienced when you and your beloved come before the Lord God in worship? There is a tranquil peace. I lean back (in my spirit) and rest upon my Lord’s chest, where I have found my rest since my childhood. The addition of my beloved in my arms, with his head upon my shoulder, or him sitting by my side with my hand on his, is not a distraction; rather, he feels to me to be an extension, a completion, of the Holy relationship I have always had with Jesus, Who is my First Love.
Ask yourself: Does your intended complete the good work that God has begun in you? That’s what he must do, if he’s the man of God for you. There may be men who still fluster you and cause you to giggle, but your beloved should be the only one who stirs you down to the depths of your being! It is such an emotion that overwhelms you! It brings your soul to its knees before the throne of God. Surrender it all to your Creator! It is a glorious weight too great for any mortal to bear!
I find this stirring of my soul to be the greatest when my beloved and I are together in worship of our Lord. What a beautiful honor to know that God has purposed for our two lifesongs to join together to become one! I believe God smiles when He hears our two voices blend in praise to Him!
Treasure your beloved, for that’s what he is: a treasure of immense value! Touch him reverently, kiss him gently, treat him as you would a beautiful, magnificent, otherworldly creature, to be handled tenderly, with care!
All my best wishes and prayers,
Your Friend