Seven years! On January 23rd, seven years ago, my wife and I exchanged our wedding vows. I can still remember that day so clearly. She was so beautiful, so radiant. I was nervous, but she couldn't tell. It was a very special day.

It's now seven years later, and our love is strong--in fact, stronger. That day when we said 'I do', we made a declaration to God and to each other that we were committed to our marriage. Our commitment was not based on feelings, but rather, a choice.

You see, feelings change. Quite often, I might add. That's why our love is based on a decision to love one another. There are times we don't feel like loving or being loved, but we do. We stick to it. We've made the choice. I've chosen her, and she has chosen me.

There is something about our love that is secure. We will not throw away our marriage because of feelings that change like the wind. We can rest assured that our future is strong. I have no fear of Angela abandoning me, nor does she have any fear of me leaving her.

God is like that. Through Christ, we are married to him. He has chosen you, and he is committed to you. And in the same way, we must choose to love God. Yes, our feelings will waver. We may at times question our pain and struggles. We may not feel like loving God, but we must choose to remain committed to him. He's committed to us, and we can rest in our future with him.

"I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand" (Isaiah 41:9b-10).

Blessings!

Russell

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|  Russell Pond     <><
|  Season of Peace
|  email:  ponder@season.org
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© Russell Pond 1999
Reprinted with permission