Happy Valentine's Day!

"When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.  Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, "It is because the LORD has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now."

 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, "Because the LORD heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too." So she named him Simeon."     Genesis 29:31-33

These are some of the saddest verses in the Bible! First of all, that Leah was not loved...and that she really thought she could earn her husband's love by having a child. What a burden, to feel you have to do something in order to be loved in return!

God in His great mercy gave her children because she wasn't loved. (How opposite to how people look at the gift of children today!) 

"So be very careful to love the LORD your God. " Joshua 23:10

This is an interesting verse, an admonition and a reminder to love the Lord. Why? Because only God can satisfy every longing! He is perfect, He is faithful, His mercies endure forever! We are sinful vessels that fail to show perfect love to one another. We sin against each other, fail each other, and hopefully reconcile and forgive one another, and then we do the same thing all over again! But we can take comfort in our Redeemer who will never fail us.

"But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love".  Psalm 33:18 

"How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."   Psalm 36:7

Do you need a place of refuge? Run to Him whose love is unfailing!  I hope you have a wonderful valentine's day and can rest in the Love of your Savior who died for you. I hope that if today you are feeling sad or burdened or lonely, that you will feel His love enfold you. I hope you find a place of comfort in the Lord.

"May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." Psalm 119:76

"The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. " Psalm 147:11

Happy Valentine's Day!