Captivated by Love: Embracing Purpose

My life changed profoundly when I first grasped the love of God, and along with it, my understanding of Who Yeshua was and is. I transitioned from being on the outer courts to standing at the altar. Before encountering the Lord, I occasionally read the Bible and engaged in conversations about God, but my knowledge was limited. It felt akin to discussing a distant neighbor whose home I had never visited. We had never shared a meal, and I knew very little about them beyond what was visible. While my journey with Him consisted of ups and downs, and moments of running away, He never let me go. He understood my lack of comprehension and patiently embraced me.

After so many disappointments and unfulfilled expectations, I caved. One day I prayed, “Lord, help me to want to want Your will for my life.” Over time, I learned to be intentional about the time that I spent with Him. He was so patient with me. Through all of my mess-ups, He loved me. This was a love that would chase after me when I was running in the wrong direction. He knew that I had no idea who either of us was, but the more time that I spent with Him, I would soon find out. I remember sitting on my bed with 2-4 books. I was spiritually hungry and I did not want to just read books about Him, I wanted to know Him. I would start out my day listening to songs while focusing on the lyrics. I was swept away by the melody and I recall feeling His love wash over me. I sat on my bed praying and meditating on Him. I was learning to love Him first. I was also learning to practice His Presence. Many do not come to understand this kind of ahava (love) and they fail to realize their purpose in this life. To. be completely transparent, I didn’t want to just merely exist and I didn’t want to ever live without His purpose. At some point, we have to ask the question of our presence and purpose in the earth. The voiceprint of God must be evidenced in our lives. We have spent too much time running away. It’s time to run toward Him and His intention for us. It is time to run toward love. Here is a working definition to be captivated: having one's interest or attention held or captured by something or someone charming, beautiful, entertaining, etc.

God finally had my attention and I was not falling in love, but rather standing and living in His love. Perspective is a curious thing, isn’t it?

I have written my poems to express my love for Him and His love for me. It helps me to somehow capture the notion of being captivated by His love. The poem below is called,

“Purpose.”

יהוה Yehovah, You have made me Your own gentle flower.

You have planted me in the earth as a display of Your glory.

I sway in the wind of Your Presence and turn towards the sun. I am warmed by Your love and my roots run deep.

There is only one of me and my days are few. I know that I must make the best of my time here in this field.

I know because this life is so very precious and the fade is upon me.

I yet rejoice in being identified by Your purpose as I awaken with the dew every morning.

My roots run deep in the earth and I continue to look to You from purple petals and precious stems.

You, Oh God have set me in the earth as a reminder of Your concern for mankind. A life of beauty.

A life of joy accessed in the present.

A reminder that seeds are precious and every one uniquely patterned to produce your desire and design.

As I sway in the wind of Your Presence

As I drink in the fresh rain

As I press my roots down deep,

I lean into Your intention for my presence in the earth.

© 2017