Passion: The Essential Collection DevotionalSample

“How He Loves” Devotion
Passion feat. Crowder

He is jealous for me / Loves like a hurricane / I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy

Love is never jealous (1 Corinthians 13:4), yet the Bible reminds us over and over again that the very God who created us is a jealous God. Exodus 34:14 (NLT) says, “You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about His relationship with you.”

God is envious of the spouse you’re seeking completion from, the career you’re seeking affirmation from and the money you’re seeking happiness from. On their own, marriages, jobs and wealth are not bad things, but when we make them an idol, we allow things to take the throne in our lives reserved solely for Christ. He is the only one who can complete us, affirm our identity and make us happy.

Does God want us to enjoy life? Absolutely. Does He have our best interests at heart? Most definitely. And that’s why He’s clear that there should be no other gods before Him. Sounds a bit selfish, right? Maybe a little legalistic and strict? Not when you consider His unmatched sacrifice for us. One look at the cross and the word selfless comes to mind.

The truth is God pursues His children with fervency, and He doesn’t want anything or anyone standing in the way. Far too often we allow even good gifts to fill the space in between us and our heavenly Father, elevating our careers, our families, our dreams, our talents and our passions above Christ Himself.

God made man and creation for His glory and His glory alone. Everything we do—from the way we love one another to the way we use our talents and gifts—ultimately serves to honor and glorify Him. Despite our selfish tendencies, we are His greatest treasure.

“For the Lord’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance.” (Deuteronomy 32:9, NIV)

Yes, He wants us for Himself, and He proves it with His unending, lavish love. If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.

There is a place in our hearts reserved only for the King. He will not stand for anyone or anything else to assume His position in our lives. But when we feel the intoxicating wind of His forgiveness and let His unfathomable grace wash over us, in gratitude we give Him the crown.

May we all drown in His extravagant love. Oh, how He loves us.

By Lindsay Williams