Better than a Box of Chocolates

It's one of Forrest Gump's famous mama quotes, "Life is like a box of chocolates...because you never know what you're gonna get."

Reflecting this Valentine's Day about one of the most common sweetheart gifts other than roses - a box of chocolates. Did you receive one? I did not, but I bought 3 small ones for my kids and I'm hoping they will share! Guess I'm a little optimistic!

I'm wondering, if you had to describe your life today with a piece of chocolate, what type would it be? The delightfully satisfying, mouthwatering chewy caramel? The exciting rich, dark chocolate with exotic coconut on the inside? Contentment as with a comfortable peanut butter cup? Or maybe do you feel like you got stuck with the yucky flavored nougat?

Sometimes life's box of chocolates gives us wonderful surprises, but there are also those not so great or just downright devastating events that can feel like a shock to the soul. There are also just times where we feel like we keep getting stuck with the least favorite in the entire assortment and we either have to choke it down or spit it out. Neither is any fun and we're left with tainted taste buds.

Whatever it is you are facing, may I offer a little encouragement this Valentine's Day? God is not surprised by anything you are going through in your life.

Did you know that God knows the story of your entire life? He's knows the beginning and the end and everything that happens in between. Psalm 139 says, "all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

Did you know also that He goes ahead of us in all that we do? Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us, "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

But perhaps most importantly, on a day where every other cubicle in your office may be flaunting red roses or balloons, and whether you received any chocolates or roses or a teddy bear, I want you to know that the God of the Universe loves you more than you could even imagine. And His love is not like any human love we have ever experienced.

Proverbs 20:6 states, "Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?

Of course that doesn't mean that no one can ever be faithful to us here on earth...that is God's perfect design for marriage. But unfortunately sometimes people hurt us and disappoint us because after all, people are human.

God's love is unfailing and he wants us to make sure that we know it because it's referenced 32 times in Scripture. (I learned this from a Beth Moore devotional, Breaking Free Day by Day) and I have looked up every one of those references!

Our God is an awesome God who loves each one of us and desires for each one of us to be His special Valentine. He is the One we can count on year after year, day after day!

May you delight yourself in the Lord this Valentine's Day!

For His Glory,
Christy Long


(c) Christy Long 2011. All Rights Reserved.