Friday, April 19, 2013

Don't you just love a freshly baked pan of Brownies? The warm, chocolate-y goodness just melts in your mouth but the best part is that chewy edge! I love savoring the sweetness of the chewy outer edge of the brownie and letting it linger in my mouth as long as possible.

As I was reading God's Word today, I found a verse that reminded me of that chewy edge of the brownie...a verse that I wanted to just linger over for a long time and let it ruminate deep in my heart. The verse is found in the book of Isaiah, chapter 61:10 - "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

What an amazing verse! When you read it, don't you just get a beautiful visual picture of God's love for us? He loves us so much that He died on the cross to pay for our sins past, present and future. His death provided a way for us to have eternal life instead of having to face the consequences of our sin which was death and separation from Him forever. Just knowing that God specifically chose us before the foundation of the world is amazing enough, but then, He chose to bless us even more with His marvelous love. He has given us the right to be called His sons and daughters. We are heirs to the throne! Our Heavenly Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He is all powerful and all knowing.

How blessed we are to be clothed in His righteousness! As I chew on the verse in Isaiah 61:10, I can almost feel the weight of the robe of righteousness on my shoulders. I can almost reach up and feel its velvety rich texture against my skin. I can almost picture God choosing the perfect robe for me...that's just my size. I can feel His love enveloping me as the robe is gently placed upon my shoulders and I can hear His voice in my heart saying, "I love you so much, my precious child. I want to bless you and show you the depth of my love for you."

As the smell of the freshly baked brownies wafts through my kitchen, I am salivating as I think of that chewy edge and how that first bite feels in my mouth. I can't wait to have that familiar taste to linger on my tongue. Just like that chewy goodness of the brownie, I've chosen to chew on God's Word for a little longer this morning. I've decided to savor each word of this verse and ask God to illuminate my heart giving me a deeper understanding of His love for me.

There are so many delicious morsels of scripture in the Bible. As you study the Word, look for those wonderful, tasty bits that speak to your heart. Savor them, salivate over them, let them feed your soul and as you do, remember that God has chosen to give you His very best...His love song written just for you. Remember that you have been bought with a price....that you were handpicked by a loving and gracious God...that you are so special to him and that you matter to Him. He longs for you to understand the height and depth and breadth of His love for you. Taste and see that He is good!
©Bonnie Annis 2013