In our search for love and in our desire for love we might sometimes ask, "Where does love come from?" The answer is elusive, and the origins of love remain something of a mystery sometimes, even as we experience it.
But believers start by making this assertion: Love comes from God. God is its source and its keeper.
Live into this gracious truth even now as you set aside some time alone with the Source of all love.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord! Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
Psalm 25:4-10
In times of change – when we start at a new school or job, when we move to a new town or church, when our relationships with friends or family are in flux – it is easy to become overwhelmed with the unknown.
Maybe you’ve asked God these questions: What should I do? What’s my future? Where am I going? Who am I? It is good to want to make right decisions and it’s important to think hard about the choices we make. This is part of the Christian practice of discernment.
The writer of today’s psalm teaches us another prayer though: Make me know YOUR ways, O Lord; teach me YOUR paths; lead me in YOUR truth.
The psalmist also knows that steadfast love is the very essence – the spirit – of who God is. Because God is love, we can trust that God’s way is good. When we are facing uncertainty and seeking God’s will, we can ask: Is this the way of love? Is this the way of faithfulness? That’s where the way of the Lord will be found.
Meredith Shaw
God, there is much that is unknown lying ahead of me, and I have lots of questions. Help me to rely on the guidance of your Spirit. Lead me in the way of love. Amen.
Imagine a stream running over its banks.
The waters cannot be held back
And will not be contained.
Tell out the good news.
"Warn" everyone.
God's loving flood is coming.