Simple. But not so simple.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.

Now remain in my love.” John 15:9

That’s Jesus talking.

Did you hear what He just said?

He says that He loves you in the same way that the Father loves Him –

the way the Father loves His only begotten son.

He loves you as if you were the only one.

{Oh that we could fully grasp the weight of this truth.}

And then He says this:

Remain here. In My love.

Soak in it.

Stay all wrapped up in it.

Dwell in it.

Live in it.

Live your life in and through and from my love.

It sounds so simple, doesn’t it?

Simple.

But not so simple.

How many times have I believed a lie,

felt discouraged,

and wandered away because of doubt?

How often do I walk away for lesser loves,

for lingering charms,

for tasty substitutes?

The command seems so simple.

Abide in my perfect, secure, and steadfast love

for you.

Simple. But not so simple.

Jesus, I want to learn to camp out

smack dab in the middle of your lavish love for me.

Please open my eyes to the distractions –

to the doubt and the discouragement-

to the lesser loves that lure me away,

and bind my wandering heart to thee.

I want to remain, Lord.

Teach me to remain in your love.