#forsuchatimeasthis

Be Still and Be Loved

I have a t-shirt with the phrase, “Be Still and Be Loved” written in bold letters. In my busy going and doing and thinking, I find it hard to be still. When I look at that phrase, I focus on the “Be Still” without giving much thought to the “Be Loved.”

I wore the t-shirt yesterday. I glanced in the mirror late last night and really saw the end of the phrase. Normally, I skip the end of the phrase. It’s like I don’t even see it. I see be still and focus on that so hard I skip over the end.

But there it is. Be Loved.

What does that look like to you?

What do you see?

How do you “Be Loved?”

Allow me to say love isn’t all about feelings. Love is choosing to show compassion and care. Love is choosing to attach yourself to another so together you stand supported. Love is unconditional forgiveness.

All that seems to be from me to you. It is giving love. So, how do you “Be Loved?” What does it look like to receive it?

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  John 3:16

To receive love can be hard. It isn’t something I go around thinking about. Oh, let me find some love today. Some have been hurt to the point being loved is scary. Being loved doesn’t seem possible.

Without naming the name, each of us go about our daily lives searching for that deep unwavering acceptance, knowing we are chosen. Being a choice. Being loved. Even in hurt, we still desire to be loved.

God, in His infinite everything, chose to give the perfect display of Love. Accepting that Love is a choice. Being loved is a choice. He is faithful to constantly have a fresh supply available at all times. It is a choice to accept it.

“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Different versions use “be still” in place of the NAS using “cease striving.” I like the NAS. Cease striving. Stop your constant attempts at finding what satisfies outside the only true source. Other attempts may fall short outside His provision.

Be still, cease striving, stop looking elsewhere. Be still and be chosen. Be loved. Know Love. Know God. Know and be chosen.

Be Still and Be Loved.

T-shirt design by MaryAnn Shea.