Tuesday, May 24, 2011

CHERISH IS THE WORD

Cherished.

My friend and I were talking the other day…and talking…and talking. About all sorts of different things. We do that. But one of the things we talked about was what our deepest hearts desired.

There were lots of things that we spoke of – to be appreciated, to be desired, to be understood. But then we decided that the one thing underneath all those feelings was this – we really want to know that someone cherishes us.

Not just loves us – but cherishes us.

The dictionary defines the word cherish this way:

To love and care for somebody; to value something highly; to retain something in mind; to treasure; to value, prize, esteem; to take pleasure in; to attach importance to; to revere.

I'm hoping that all of you have someone who loves you – who really and truly loves you. But even at its best, it's still human love – and at some time or the other, because we're human, the ones who love us will disappoint us, hurt us, make us feel unappreciated, undesirablethey won't understand us.

But…

…there is Someone.

Someone who came to our rescue. Someone who gave His life for us. Someone who intercedes for us every day. Someone who's coming back to get us.

Someone who truly cherishes us.

He values us highly.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

He thinks about us all the time.

"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
 I can't even count them;
 they outnumber the grains of sand!" (Psalm 139:17-18)

He takes pleasure in us.

"...he rescued me because he delights in me." (Psalm 18:19)

He thinks we're very important.

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

He loves and cares for us, every moment…

"O Lord, you…know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me."
(Psalm 139:1-5)

…in this life and in the next.

"Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!" (John 17:24)

He cherishes us…

…is that just the BEST or what???!!!


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

10 comments:

  1. You are right again friend - it is always good to have that written down somewhere where you see it often - so that if you feel down - it is right there to remind you - you are NOT alone.

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  2. Sharon hits another home run. I love how you found the passages to scripture to support the definition of devotion, and I like Chatty's idea of writing it down to read when you need a reminder.

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  3. Yes Sharon,

    You are so right, thank you for sharing

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  4. ahhhh yes... "CHERISH IS WORD that more than applies... to the hopes and the dreams each time I realize..." (memory lane)

    Ohhh my goodness, my Cherished friend and sister
    Sharon... I love how this all lines up with so much and HUGS from FACE to FACE yesterday. Beautiful scriptures that certainly declare His devotion and what ours should be like... ohhh to be cherished, yes...that's the heart's desire.

    So very thankful for His love, Love like this is so rare... and friendship or sisterhood reaches to this height and depth so I am beyond blessed.
    Grateful for this kind of WORD directly from Him to you and then to us through you! Vessel of God's Love poured out to restore and uplift...
    talk on...talk...talk...walk in His love and LISTEN

    Peace and love,
    Peggy

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  5. Amen! It is the best...and we are blessed!

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  6. I'm so thankful I am cherished!! I remember our previous pastor mentioned how God hovers over us, in eager anticipation of us when we wake up in the morning, etc. It is absolutely amazing he, the crestor, almighty, awesome that he is would love us so much and actually care for us so deeply......amazing love indeed!

    (I'm posting as anonymous, your's is one of the journals I have trouble leaving comments on, grrrrrrrrr)

    betty

    betty

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  7. Such a sweet post Sharon. Thanks for the reminder that I am indeed cherish by Someone so very special.

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  8. Sandie - I find it SO comforting to know that I am never alone! And to be cherished by the One who loves perfectly??? That is SUCH a blessing!

    Debbie - I liked Sandie's idea, too. These verses are so uplifting. To be the cherished princess of the King is pretty exciting, isn't it?

    Nita - Thank you. Know that you are cherished by God, and that I'm very fond of you, too!

    Peggy - Thank you for such an uplifting comment - it blessed me today! (It was kinda fun remembering that old song, wasn't it?) It is good to be loved by God, and it is wonderful to love each other. Your friendship means the world to me.

    Karen - So, so very blessed, indeed! May we pass on His love to others - so that more people will know they are never alone.

    Betty - I love the picture that your pastor painted. God hovering over us. Reminds me of when our kids were little and we'd hover over that crib to make sure they were OK - and we'd eagerly await their waking in the morning. What a tender snapshot of the Father's love.

    Wanda - I'm so glad you were encouraged by this. Yes, you are someone special because you are cherished by the most Special Someone who ever lived!

    GOD BLESS YOU - my cherished friends!!

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  9. Hi Sharon -

    Oh! Such comfort to know that there is NOTHING and NO ONE BETTER.

    GOD is the Lover of our souls and He knows precisely who we need, what we need, and when.

    It doesn't get better than that!

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  10. Sandra - He is just the best, isn't He?? You know, I like how you pointed out that He knows WHO we need. I usually just think about what I need and when - but you're absolutely right! He also knows WHO we need. I am so grateful for the friends He has brought into my life - and that, of course, would most certainly include you!

    Praise to the Lover of our souls!

    GOD BLESS!

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)