Devotion

The bow of the Portland Spirit cut through the glass surface of the Willamette River as the cool evening wind swept over the ship. In the fading light, the city buildings and bridges emerged further up the river as we wound our way past mansions, houseboats, country clubs, fern covered rock cliffs and even a small amusement park. I spotted the quaint, historic Pioneer Chapel where I had the privilege of bringing together two couples under God. The dinner cruise created an enchanting evening to celebrate the 20th Anniversary with my lovely bride.

As I reflect upon our life together and God’s special helpmate that he entrusted to me, I am simply grateful. When I solemnly repeated those two words, “I do”, the course of my life was forever altered like two mountain streams merging to create a bubbling brook meandering through the sunny valleys and dark forests. Looking back on our twenty years together I feel I have learned a few life lessons on marriage and relationships, with some (or maybe even a lot) learned the hard way. One key word to offer would be “devotion – the state of being ardently dedicated and loyal”, Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary.

Along our life journey things change, we change, our hopes and dreams have changed, I have changed and my bride has changed. When I look at my wife I see more than her lovely face and embracing cool blue eyes, I see devotion. A devotion to our family expressed from the moment she arises and cares for our family and me, till the sun fades and all are asleep. A devotion to fight for the unity, peace and love within our home. A devotion to the spiritual, emotional and physical intimacy between a husband and wife. A devotion to me.

Likewise Christ defined us (followers and believers) in his parables as his bride (John 3:29, Matt. 25:1-13). John’s revelation describes how the Bride has been prepared for the Bridegroom (Rev. 21:9, 22:17) and Isaiah gives this figurative expression of rejoicing and devotion in his prophetic blessing over Israel.

You will be called the People God Loves,
and your land will be called the Bride of God,
because the Lord loves you.
And your land will belong to him as a bride belongs to her husband.
As a young man marries a woman,
so your children will marry your land.
As a man rejoices over his new wife,
so your God will rejoice over you. – Isaiah 62:4b-5, NCV

As the Bride of Christ how is our daily devotion? Do you arise each morning ready to serve, love and live in ardent dedication? Are you loyal? Do you find the time each day to share life together or has the busyness of the day dissected the intimacy he craves with you? Have you allowed other things, people or activities to steal away your affections, desires, time and devotion? Tough questions…but as we celebrate our anniversary from the day we said “I do” to Jesus Christ as our Lord, Savior and Bridegroom, may we also be reminded of our merging of lives and allow Him to guide the new stream of our future and be fully-devoted to Him.