The world in which we live pursues us from our earliest days in a kind of romantic relationship. It courts us with diligence, trying to convince us it can fulfill all our needs and desires. But it is a liar!
The romance of the world seduces us, trying to make us believe its enticements will bring lasting satisfaction and the love we desire, but it does not. It teases and tempts, and promises much, but once we begin to believe that it speaks the truth, it lets us down hard....

......  It teases and tempts, and promises much, but once we begin to believe that it speaks the truth, it lets us down hard....  It wraps us in chains and walks away, leaving us empty, alone, broken, hurt, and disillusioned.

When I was young I believed that what I needed was out there and all I had to do was pursue it.  And, I did, but I found that even what I gained was a loss.  Every victory was short-lived.  Every achievement turned to rust.

So, I began to seek a love who was different from what I thought I needed.  And I found Him.  He was rejected by the world.  He was not attractive as the world sees beauty. Had He not been hunting for me, I would not have noticed Him.  But, there was something about Him.  With a skeptical eye, jaded by my flirtation with the world, I dared Him to love me and to truly satisfy my longing or love.  Year after year I tried His patience, hoping beyond hope that His love was real.  I was determined to find the truth, hope, and freedom.

The One Who loved me with a true love, a lasting love, could do so because He was love. He was the One Who created love, and created me too. He set me free from the heartache of my false lover and taught me to hope, to trust, to be all that I can be.  I am no longer dancing to the tune of this world, but now, finally, I am happy in my new relationship.  I am finding that I am truly fulfilled, living in the love of my Lord and my God.