Forever Love

DATE: April, 23, 2019
TITLE: Forever Love
TEXT: Psalm 71:9 - 9        Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.

Every time we go past a pet store, my beloved wife, Pamie, drags me in. 

That’s because she finds the antics of the small puppies and kittens absolutely irresistible.

Now I trust my wife in almost every area a person can be trusted. The one exception to that rule is puppies. Oh, I know she says, “Honey, we already own a 100 lb Goldendoodle who was supposed to be a mid-size mutt We don’t need another dog.”  

Yes, she says it, but I think she’s gambling that one of those visits some pup is going to do something so cute I’m going to throw caution to the wind and say, “Let’s get the paperwork done. We’re bringing this pup home today.”

The problem is I also enjoy the visit…and don’t entirely trust myself. That trust was truly put to the test the last time we went. In the front of the glass window was a sign which said, “Love Guaranteed Forever.”

 Now, there’s no question in my mind that the pet store certainly does sell animals who will, given a chance, love their owners.
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My problem comes in the word: forever? 

Forever seems to be stretching things a bit. 

Is there any place where love can be guaranteed for forever? Because of sin and death, even the most faithful of spouses will eventually have to say an earthly farewell.

Which is why, if we are looking for real permanence in love, a love which is going to be around forever, we’re going to have to find it in Someone Who will always be with us.

That kind of criterion limits things, doesn’t it?

Truly only the eternal, omnipresent Lord has the ability to give us love which is guaranteed for all of our tomorrows.  Only the Triune God can make a loving commitment which can be counted on to go on forever.

The Psalmist should have been sure:
The Lord doesn’t cast off the elderly, and He will be around to strengthen us when we have grown weak and tired.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I live in a changing world. People, philosophies, countries and leaders all come and go. Which is why I give thanks that You, dear Lord can be counted on. Your love as shown in the Savior’s sacrifice is a source of comfort and strength to me. For that eternal love I give thanks in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html