Valentine’s Day

Love, flowers, chocolate, hearts-together as-one; all are symbols of Valentine’s Day!  It’s a beautiful thing!  It’s a Hallmark moment…and might I add a “money-maker” for the economy!  I just read a joke that said, “Valentine’s Day really comes the day after; that’s when all the chocolate is on sale!”

Some might argue that it is not such a beautiful thing if you are alone as a single; widowed; estranged; sad or seriously ill person.  But I think it is a great occasion to reach out and show loving care to others.  Instead of reflecting on what we don’t have, let’s turn our hearts to the blessings we DO have.  We can count our many blessings and “name them one by one” as the hymnist wrote.  We can share joy with those who don’t have much joy.  We can create our own “happiness”.

I have always said that God did not promise me “happiness” all the days of my life, but He did call me to “faithfulness”.  Actually, God’s Word tells us in James 1:2 that “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy”.  Philippians 4:4, 12 says, “Rejoice in the Lord, always.  I will say it again – Rejoice”! “I have learned the secret of being content in every situation”.

God promises lasting happiness for all who believe in Him.  This kind of happiness is not affected by our circumstances.  God calls us to be happy now and also for all eternity.  The Bible is profuse in telling us where we can find this happy place! 

• “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus”.  Hebrews 12:2
• “How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands”.   Psalm 112:1
• “You have been faithful in handling this small amount; let’s celebrate together.”  Matthew 25:21
• “I know the Lord is always with me; No wonder my heart is glad”.  Psalm 16:8,9
• “Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found”.  Psalm 119:35
• “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God”.  Hebrews 12:15
• “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other”.  Romans 12:10
• “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad…for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory”.  I Peter 4:12, 13
• “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord!  I will be joyful in the God of my salvation”.  Habakkuk 3:18

It is human nature that we desire to be loved and God’s love for us is beyond measure and is also, everlasting.  Rejoice in this love!  Isaiah 46:4 says, “I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age.  I made you, and I will care for you.  I will carry you along and I will save you”.

God promises that “No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord”.  Romans 8:39

There is no better love than this!  Cherish it as God’s sweet Valentine to you!