Roses in the Desert: Courted, Chosen, & Cherished Shembull

In Isaiah 61:1-3 God’s servant is given the mission to bring good news that heals the brokenhearted, frees captives, and proclaims the favorable year of the Lord. We need good news — especially when we feel alone and lost after losing (or never finding) "The One." We need light in dark seasons to recognize and resist Fear when it whispers, You'll always be alone. You're unloveable. There's something wrong with you.

On days when the present looks grim and I can't visualize tomorrow, I've gotten myself into trouble ruminating over the past... It's January 2020 and I'm sitting with a man I love watching diamonds of sunlight reflect on the Gulf of Mexico. Our future looks so bright we are both wearing shades... I'm dressed in sequins for our Valentine’s Day date, the first I’ve had in over 20 years. But instead of dinner and dancing in the movie-set-worthy restaurant, he walks away.

Pain and confusion blur the truth. One hurt piles upon another. I recall other Once- Upon- a- Times when I was all-in but someone left or never really showed up. Then I believe lies about myself and God. I default to flawed thinking that started somewhere in my childhood...Where’s the knight or prince the fairy tales said would rescue me, protect me? Or simply a partner to navigate life with so I don’t have to go it alone? Why do some women get the Happily Ever After and others don’t?

I spin until I’m spent… what I always do when I take my eyes off God to focus on man or circumstances. Then I remember His good news for captives and the brokenhearted: I EXCHANGE ROSES FOR ASHES. YOU ALL GET THE LOVE STORY. I AM COMPASSIONATE, GRACIOUS, FAITHFUL. I NEVER LEAVE.

Better than a prince, we get the King. One day there will be the Marriage Feast of the Lamb between Christ, the Bridegroom, and his Beloved (Revelation 19:6-9). But that relationship—personal and intimate—begins now. Psalm 45:11 instructs, “Be here—the King is wild for you. Since He’s your lord, adore him” (The Message). He says we are lovable and loved. He says it’s a lie we are too much or not enough. And He takes delight in us, rejoicing over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

God chooses to call His people—once Israel, now all believers—Bride. Isaiah says, “Your Maker is your Husband.” Hosea says He sweeps his beloved away on a honeymoon in the desert where He courts her with roses and she sings like a new bride.