A Container of Love

When George and I married, it was his last year of college and I had started a new job. As newlyweds, we counted every penny and stayed within our means. The phrase “we didn’t have two pennies to rub together” was meant for us. Money was so scarce we accepted a used 1949 Chevrolet painted Baylor green with gold hub caps from my parents—the same car my mother drove when she attended Baylor University! We fondly called that car “Claude.” Every time we turned right, Claude honked, and every time we pushed on the gas pedal, the windshield wipers stopped, so we would let up on the gas, get the windshield wiped, and then go again. My father gave George this prized possession to drive to the SMU campus for college. Just try to imagine George driving on the SMU campus (whose colors are red and blue) in a Baylor green and gold car that honked and drew attention! I sometimes wonder if George took a route where he only had to turn left to get to his classes. Claude, the prized possession, finally kicked the bucket, much to the relief of my husband!

There was no room in the budget for special occasion cards. Yet, George loved to do something for those occasions. Instead of a store-bought card, he would write out a poem on college paper or write a few sentences expressing his love. He would secretly hide the note under my pillow or place it in our small kitchen for me to find. On those special occasions I could hardly wait to discover his note. I also would write a note and slip it into one of his books for him to discover in class.

Throughout the years I have kept all the notes and cards from George in a special container. At times I rummage through the container, reminiscing and pulling out random cards to reread. We still continue to leave each other secret notes.

Many places in Scripture, Jesus is called our Bridegroom (See John 3:29-30). Jesus doesn’t need a special occasion to write us love notes or poems. We have a whole book full of them. He always leaves secrets for us to discover in His Word. He reminds us of His deep abiding love and that He laid down His life for us. He tells us how special we are to Him. Our Bridegroom encourages us when we are down, comforts us when we are lonely, and offers us peace in the midst of fear and anxiety. We do not need a container to store these words of love; they are always at our fingertips.

At times I write down my Bridegroom’s notes to me on sticky paper and place them where I can view them. The notes are reminders and reassurances of His unconditional love. Below are a few examples of His love notes. I challenge you to write them down as if they are addressed to you.

• My Bridegroom loves me with an everlasting love, and He will continue His faithfulness to me. -Jeremiah 31:3
• My Bridegroom will never leave me nor forsake me even if others do. -Hebrews 13:5
• My Bridegroom is full of compassion, graciousness, long-suffering, and mercy. -Psalm 86:15
• I am the apple of my Bridegroom’s eye. -Psalm 17:8
• Daily my Bridegroom pours out His endless love for me. -Psalm 42:8a TPT
• My Bridegroom quietens me and rejoicing over me with singing. -Zephaniah 3:17
• My Bridegroom weeps when I weep because He loves me. -John 11:35-36
• My Bridegroom cares so much, He collects my tears in a bottle. – Psalm 56:8.
• My Bridegroom’s words heal my broken heart. -Psalm 147:3
• My Bridegroom promises to listen to me. -Psalm 116:2
• My Bridegroom loves to hug me. -Psalm 32:10 TPT
• My Bridegroom does not break a promise. I can trust Him. -Psalm 37:5
• I am my Bridegroom’s favored one and His favor lasts a lifetime. -Psalm 30 TPT
• My Bridegroom encourages me. -Philippines 3:13
• My Bridegroom is my best friend. -John 15:13

Your Bridegroom cares so deeply for you. The story of Mary Magdalene going to the tomb demonstrates His profound love. When Mary arrives at the tomb to find Jesus’ body missing, she weeps in despair. The Risen Jesus shows himself to her and speaks to her with love and compassion. Oh, what sweet love He had for Mary. He appeared to her first, comforted her broken heart, and gave her the commission to tell the world He had risen.

If you are in a difficult marriage, never married, are a widow or divorced, Valentine’s Day can feel more painful than a celebration. It may be difficult to watch commercials on TV concerning Valentine cards and flowers. If you are feeling discouraged, I urge you seek the Bridegroom. Every day is a “love day” when you spend time with Jesus. He greets you every morning with anticipation. He gives you the gift of blessings all day long. He provides nature as His expression of love. He will wrap you in love and be your perfect Bridegroom. Make Him yours. He will amaze you.

Let’s pray:
How truly blessed I am to have You as the perfect Bridegroom. You keep all your promises to me. You are always close to me and know me so well. You know my every thought. You are a strong shoulder to cry on. You are the One who knows all my needs. I praise You for Your unconditional love. How blessed and honored I am as Your bride. Thank You for your love. You bless me above all I could imagine. Thank You for the love notes that you have given me, that I have stored in my heart. Amen.