I stood in the bride’s room off the sanctuary, staring at all white in the full-length mirror. White dress, white veil, white pearls in my ears. My maid-of-honor bustled into the room, quickly closing the door of the filling pews behind her.
“This is for you,” she whispered as she slid a white envelope into my shaking hands.
My name was written on the outside. The sight of the handwriting quickened my pulse and I smiled.
I opened the card to see a black and white picture of a young girl receiving a single rose from a young boy.
Inside it read, “You were the brightest of the bunch. I choose you.”
Isn’t that what we want? To be chosen? To be treasured? To hear someone say with pride and affection, “She’s mine.”
You are chosen.
You are chosen by Someone who promises to always treasure you.
You don’t need to vie for position.
You don’t need to attempt to earn it.
You can’t buy, plead or cajole your way in.
God just chose you. (Deuteronomy 7:6)
Reading my fiancé’s sentiments on our wedding day assured me I’d said yes to the right one. On our twenty-sixth anniversary he wrote me another card. This one had balloons all over the front with a small child looking up, holding a single balloon. Inside read, “I would still choose you.”
I didn’t think he remembered what he had written on our wedding day, but apparently he did.
The difference with God is we know He never forgets- it is not even a question. We can trust when He chooses us and promises to treasure us, it’s now and forever.
I have walked with the Lord longer than I’ve been married. God has surprised me, yes. He doesn’t always give me what I request. He disciplines me out of love. He patiently waits for me to draw nearer to Him.
And He treasures me in a way not even the best of friends, or even a husband can.
No matter what I did, how I forgot Him, or how often I may have disappointed Him, He chose me first. And He continues to choose me, quietly pursuing my heart daily.
He does the same for you. He wants you to know He chose you. He treasures you. He wants you to know the joy of knowing, deep inside your soul, that you are chosen and deeply treasured.
Sometimes you and I might need a reminder. Maybe it’s been a season where it feels like you against the world. Maybe it’s hard to imagine trusting that God loves you and continues to choose you.
Spend some time with Him in His word and in prayer. Read His story and ask for His help in believing what He says. He promises to draw near to us when we draw near to Him. (James 4:8)
As we reflect on the past and stare at life, let’s ask Him to guide our faith and stir our hearts to lean on Him. He promises to do just that!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for choosing me. It’s too much to imagine You would do such a thing, yet, Your word tells me it’s true. Help me practice habits that will draw me closer to You. Help my heart trust You. Thank You for choosing me! In Jesus’ name, Amen.