First Love
“The man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.”
Happy Valentine’s Day, Sisters! For some, this is a day that hurts. For others, it’s joyful and fun. I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum. For the most part, Valentine’s Day is fun for me - I’m all about the hearts and chocolate and homemade valentines. And while I love V-day (and all the cutesy home decor deals I’ll find at Target in about a week), Valentine’s Day still stings a little bit.
Let’s get real: this is a devotional for single women, and it sucks to be single on Valentine’s Day. Sure, we can do fun stuff with our girlfriends or go out with random men - and that will probably be more fun than sitting at home alone, but we all know it’s not quite the same. And that’s okay. It’s okay if you’re not okay, and it’s okay if you’re great. Either way, go to Jesus. I know that might feel like a cop-out answer and very likely will inspire an eye-roll or two. But I'm okay with that because even if you don't think that's the answer you’re looking for - it is. Jesus is the answer.
God is our first love.
Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit is our first love, and while I’m single, I have the privilege of remembering that (acutely) every Valentine’s Day. And despite the acuteness of that realization, I still have a choice: I can spend Valentine’s Day mopping or I can spend it in worship - with a keyboard in front of me and my single sisters around me singing of God’s goodness and His love. I can throw myself a pity party, or I can pour out my heart and praise God.
Sisters, I’m committed - we’re committed - to giving God our best and worst, our darkest and our brightest no matter what day it is. I praise Him for the blessings I’ve seen and the blessings to come. I praise Him because of who He is - not because of what’s going on. So this Valentine’s Day, I’m spending my night praising God because God has healed me and saved me just as He saved the deaf man. I’m spending my Valentine’s Day praising Him because, no matter what, He’s still worth it.
Father,
Thanks for being our first love. Thanks for loving us perfectly and wanting us always.
God, I want to ask You to show up for all the single ladies today. Please make Your presence known and felt. Show them that You truly are their first love, that You love them when they feel disappointed and angry and rejected and unwanted and passed over.
Remind each and every single woman who’s feeling the sting of Valentine’s Day that they might feel forgotten, but You haven’t forgotten them. They might feel rejected, but they aren’t. They might feel discarded, but You’d never discard them. They might be angry, but You’ll love them through it.
God, we love You. We are so, so grateful for You and Your love. Remind us who You are today. Amen.