Receive His Love

You shall be called by a new name,
  chosen by the mouth of the Lord.
You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord,
  a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

Isaiah 62:2-3

As I think about my limitations, these verses make me dream beyond my current state. I long to be like a royal diadem in the hand of God, to be a crown of His glory. These verses also give voice to my desires: the Lord promises me (us) that I shall be given a new identity and a glorious one. In Christ, this is perhaps already mine to receive, even here and now, if I dare to believe and let go of a broken identity.

No longer called “Forsaken,”
  your land no longer called “Desolate,”
you will be called “My pleasure in her,”
  and your land “The Wedded”;
for the Lord has been well pleased with you,
  and your land will receive its bridegroom.

Isaiah 62:4

The desolate areas of my heart and mind are called to be no longer so, and to find in union with God their ultimate end. Even here in my wounded soul, I can find comfort in the Scriptures that speak to me of the spousal love of the Lord – He longs to revive what is dead; He longs to renew us in His tender faithfulness.

The exiles of my heart will encounter their Redeemer, and every corner of my being will rise from the ashes.

I invite you, Lord, into my wounds, especially the most desolate ones. Speak to them words of love and hope. Help me receive you when you say, “I am well pleased with you”. Oh, Jesus, how I long to hear those words!

For as a young man takes a virgin to wife,
  so will your sons take you;
and as a husband takes joy in his spouse,
  so your God will rejoice at you.

Isaiah 62:5

My Jesus, you know I don’t desire to marry a human soul but to have you wedded to mine. I hold on to these words today, that you will rejoice over me like a bridegroom over his bride. I may not see or know how this shall come about, and I put trust in You.

You didn’t reject Israel in her unfaithfulness but longed to call her to yourself again, to heal her of her shame and revive her God-given dignity. I thus place before you what is shameful within me and what seemingly prevents me from giving myself to You fully and truly.

Look upon us, Lord, with your tender compassion and help us receive your profound gaze of healing love.