Valentine’s day began as the remembrance of the martyrdom of St. Valentine for his faith. Over the centuries, it has morphed into a celebration of love – romantic love. Like Christmas, an entire business has developed around it. Chocolates, flowers, diamonds, etc. and, of course, dinner out. This day has become a big deal for many women, a litmus test of their partner’s devotion to them. To forget Valentine’s Day signifies a lack of love and care. I admit to having felt this way myself.

My husband and I have a running joke between us now. He had read a story? where the husband forgot Valentine’s Day. The next day, seeking to redeem himself, he said, “Let’s make February 15 OUR Valentine’s Day.” Ever since it has become less important for me to celebrate on the 14^th exactly.

Our need for love and to feel special has made Valentine’s Day a big deal. We want to be raised on a pedestal and adored. So, we expect, even demand it from our partners. If we don’t get it, discontent and restlessness fill our souls. Then the search for love elsewhere begins, in all the wrong places.

I have heard it said that repeating the same behaviour, over and over, and expecting a different outcome is the definition of insanity. I lived much of my life insane. Looking for love and adoration, I ran from one relationship to another, always leaving empty. I almost destroyed my life, my husband’s and my children’s more than once out of a lust for my glory.

But God.

Jesus is THE Lover of our souls. The only one who can fill our desire to be fully loved for who we are. He is the only one who knows us to our core. Christ alone knows what we need, and how and when to give it to us. But the glory belongs to Him, not us. We are not to be adored; He is.

Our identity is eternally linked with the One who created us. Who else knows our thoughts and feelings even before we do? Not our poor husbands and boyfriends though, God bless them, they try!

Jesus does.

In our quest for self-glory, we neglect the one place where we can find it. Blindly, I spent years longing to be the most important person to someone else, the one they would give everything up for, even die for. I forgot someone already had. The crucified Christ was standing with His arms wide open all that time, waiting for me to run to Him.

We are the apple of His eye. He gave up His glory for ours. He died for us so we could have an eternal relationship with Him.

Oh, Beloved, the love, the hope, the glory you long for is here. When we humble ourselves before Him, He glorifies us. It is a strange mystery, I know, but true. As we trust and walk in obedience to Him, we find the freedom, love, and joy we long for.

This Valentine’s Day, instead of looking for cards and displays of affection from others, read God’s love letters to you. His Word. Read the Gospels that tell the story of Christ’s deep, sacrificial love for you, and rest in it.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 NIV.

“Israel, out looking for a place to rest, met God out looking for them!” God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love and more love!” Jeremiah 31:3 The Message,

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:20-23 NIV.

You are loved, Sister. Deeply, deeply loved.

Be well!

Patricia