NOPE, despite what you may think, this post is not referring to only the engaged ladies, or even those in relationships. I am referring to ALL females, because beyond our mere short time on this earth, whether currently single, dating, engaged, or even married; for the Christian, we are ALWAYS the Bride of Christ.
"For your husband is your Maker, Whose name is the LORD of hosts; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, Who is called the God of all the earth." -Isaiah 54:5
"For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin." -2 Corinthians 11:2
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." -Revelation 19:7
A few months ago, God really started speaking to me personally about this, as He began to "woo" me as His very own betrothed. It was actually in getting to know a potential suitor that God made me aware of some emotions I was experiencing. I noticed how "loved" I felt, and not necessarily true "love" as I barely knew the guy, but more so the FEELING of being pursued; of feeling wanted, desired, and secure. It's that feeling of hope and excitement of what could be, that you can do anything in the world, all because you are highly valued by someone. Have you ladies felt this way before? All because of a .. boy?
Soon after this time of introspection the Holy Spirit asked me a poignant question...
"Why don't you feel that way in My pursuit of you?"
.......long pause.........
......pause some more.......
Because we can say it all day long, can't we? How much we love God because He loves us, but do we truly believe it in our hearts? If we did, we would ALWAYS walk around with that giddy, "loved" feeling...except divinely better! So, why don't we? In wrestling with the Holy Spirit's question, I came to find my own answer, and maybe it's yours, too. Buried way way deep inside me, almost unaware, I was believing a lie: "I am not whole as a single person." Maybe you've been there, too. Maybe this is you right now. Looking back, I don't even like using that word, "single," because what the Lord showed me next is that I am NOT single (what..!?!?). And neither are any. of. you.
Far before and beyond our short existence on earth, we are covenant-bound to our forever, eternal Groom, Jesus.
Read that again. BOUND. For anything to be bound, it must involve more than one for the binding (I know..rocket science ;)). If we have placed our faith in JESUS, we are NOT alone, and we are NOT single! This is for us ALL, not just the girls without a band on their left hand. Why? Because we are eternally (which literally means forever - infinite time) betrothed to JESUS, the PERFECT Pursuer. In this life, regardless if you marry or not, no one will actively & intentionally pursue you like the King of Kings and the Lord of all Lords.
The lyrics in Cory Asbury's song, "Reckless Love", depict a beautiful imagery of God's relentless pursuit of us -
"Oh the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God. It chases me down, fights till I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine."
&
" There's no shadow You won't light up, mountain You won't climb up, coming after me.
There's no wall You won't kick down, no lie won't tear down coming after me."
Our God's love for us isn't passive, nor like any of our earthly experiences. No, He actively, ruthlessly, and constantly is after our hearts. He does not hesitate. When He hears our cries for help, He immediately responds, no matter the obstacle or expense. He's "coming after me," and He's without a doubt coming after you, too.
My sister, my prayer is that your heart turns to believe this unshakeable truth - that no matter what happens in this life, you respond to your personal invitation as the betrothed of GOD. To our finite minds, that sounds SO crazy....BUT OH HOW TRUE IT IS!
This revelation allows us, no matter our relationship status, to start LIVING as the Bride of Christ. For a bride of Christ is full, complete, satisfied, and loved. She knows her value, because JESUS, Her Groom, values her. A bride of Christ no longer waits around for her life to begin through an earthly husband, because she finds true life in her forever Groom, Jesus. When God's timing is right, a bride of Christ only allows earthly suitors whom add to God's pursuit of her, until returning her back to her rightful Groom one day. A bride of Christ is secure, trusting her Heavenly Spouse's provision for ALL her needs in pursuit of her God-given dreams. She seeks first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, while trusting HIM to give her the desires of her heart (Matthew 6:33).
There's no more waiting to be done for the Bride of Christ, because she's finally free to live like the beloved she truly is. No human love will ever suffice the God-standard satisfaction in her heart, for He made His Bride eternally for Himself, and to Himself she will return one day.
This is who we really are, His Bride. We are His chosen, His first pick, His beloved, uniquely and by name. I believe for most of us, He's patiently, yet zealously, waiting for us at the alter. He's waiting for you and me to grab a hold of His extended hand at the end of the isle, so we can go ahead and start living this life together.
Stop waiting, and be The bride.
"And I will betroth you to Me forever. I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to be in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord." - Jesus
*spoken to the prophet, Hosea, in Chapter 2, verses 19-20; a prophetic message from the Lord in foresight of Jesus coming for His adulteress bride*