There is a painting hanging over our fireplace that says, “The Hursts Established 2004”. Every time I see this painting I am reminded that we wed that year. It also reminds me of the commitment we made on that day.
Established is a big word. It means a lot to me.
Established: Set up on a firm or permanent basis. Initiate or bring about. Achieve permanent acceptance or recognition for. Show to be true or certain by determining facts.
See what I mean?
Established is a word with a lot of backing. It is permanent. Recognized. True.
When people get married, it means something. The odd thing is that the marriage ceremony, while beautiful and good, doesn’t bring the feeling of permanence…time does that.
When we get married, we decide to remain. Permanent. I now understand what it means. It means that even if I have a “reason” according to others, to leave our establishment, it doesn’t mean God wants me to do so. If one of us goes through a rough season and become difficult to live with, we don’t just get to leave.
Being established in marriage should mean that we’ve come together and created a safe covenant with each other and God and now we can find healing and wholeness within this safe place. We can bear our souls and find growth, within the safety of this establishment.
A promise is a promise.
Yes, both Chris and I were married once before at a very young age. Yes, we’ve both been divorced. Yes, we’ve both been redeemed. We see the folly of our youth and instead of shying away from it, we embrace what we now have with a bear hug of finality and gratitude. Having chosen poorly before, we both value our marriage even more now.
Now we’ve both discovered what true commitment looks like.
It’s the same with our walk with Jesus.
I was saved at 8 but floundered from lack of discipleship. I basically divorced myself from it for many years due to ignorance and hurt.
Now I’ve been redeemed. I have seen the folly of my youth and instead of shying away from it, I embrace what I now have with God. I embrace it fully and with finality and gratitude. Having chosen poorly before, I now value my covenant with God even more now.
My first Love.
I encourage you to reach into your heart and discover what it is to be established with God. Lean into His promises and commitment to you. Discover your promise and commitment to Him. It’s important to remember this covenant and all that it means. In the same way we have vow renewals after time has passed in marriage, we can have personal renewals with God. Remembering where we’ve come from and rejoicing in how far we’ve made it.
I pray that today you will recommit to God. No matter what your relationship looks like with Him, it’s always a good day to recommit. Remind your heart why you love Him. Reaffirm your commitment and then watch how your love grows!
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, Who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21
365 Days in the Presence 