So many of us have desired to find love. We have dreamt about it, talked about it, and prayed about it. Some of us have even actively pursued it, but how many of us have been specific and strategic in our pursuit, defining the type of love we deeply desire? The Bible encourages us to ask, seek, and knock at God’s door for our desires. As we continue to do so, and delight ourselves in the Lord, He promises to grant the desires of our hearts.
Jeff and I run a TeenTalk Youth Group with about 30 students. During a session on the importance of communication, I asked how many of the kids desired marriage—every single hand went up. I asked them to please keep their hands up if they would like to one day get divorced -every single hand was thrust down with the urgency. I proceeded to stress the importance of learning effective communication and active listening at an early age, because it will save them thousands of dollars in therapy and marriage counseling in the future. I also explained that it is crucial to not just ask, seek, and pursue “love”, but to ask, seek, and pursue lasting love! An authentic, enduring love is the most coveted type of love that exists. It is this type of love that we should not only actively pursue, but actively prepare for.
Actively pursuing some thing that we do not understand, or are not personally ready to receive, is setting ourselves up for failure. Preparing for love involves self-reflection, understanding our needs and values, cultivating emotional intelligence, and nurturing a strong sense of self. It’s about becoming the person you want to attract and fostering a mindset that values long-term connection over fleeting romance. As we actively prepare for lasting love, we set the stage for a relationship that withstands the test of time and brings enduring joy.
