Why It’s Important to Romance God

One morning I sat down to spend time with God.

Sometimes I make a specific appointment with him and other times I don’t. I’ve found that he’s flexible and can always see me on a whim. I don’t know how he does this with such a full schedule, but I’m grateful.

Our time didn’t start off well. Yeah, I showed up, which is an accomplishment because half the time we make plans, I ditch. But here, now, something was off. We didn’t have the usual flow—the conversation, the sense of his presence, the interest. It felt like me sitting in a room by myself.

I tried a series of tactics to lure him out, but nothing worked. I was about to leave. Then slowly and suddenly, like a rose opening, a verse came to mind, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

Sometimes God plays hard-to-get; sometimes He wants to be romanced.

Here’s why it’s important to romance God:

Some of the coolest people in the Bible were lovers of God.

David wanted only one thing—to gaze upon the beauty of God (Psalm 27:4). Paul resolved to know nothing but Christ (1 Corinthians 2:2). Mary washed Jesus’ feet with scandalously expensive perfume and her hair (John 12:3). Jesus snuck away often to spend time with his Father (Mark 1:35).

A two-way relationship requires a two-way pursuit.

When a relationship is one-sided, it’s not much of a relationship. Yes, God is God and He’s a big boy, but God wants to be chosen. Love is a choice. During the course of your walk with God, sometimes He pursues you, and sometimes He wants to be pursued.

Passion keeps your relationship interesting.

When passion and desire die, the relationship becomes mundane, tedious, and ordinary. This isn’t how God wants your relationship to be! You will not walk with God for the long haul running on empty. Jesus said the love of most will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). Let that not be you.

You were made to enjoy God.

The Westminster Catechism includes some of the major doctrines to spring from the Reformation, which paved the way for many of today’s churches. The first statement is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” The purpose of church is to help you glorify God and enjoy him forever. God is the answer to the ache of the heart and soul.

Romance with God reveals gratitude.

God isn't interested in you paying Him back for blessings. But He is interested in your heart. Your heart is the wellspring of life. Your heart directs you. Your heart is free to choose its affections. When you realize all God has done, is doing, and will do for you, it overbrims your heart to overflow.
So do this today:

Sit down in a quiet place. Hold your hand over your heart. Take a breath, exhale, and say,

“God, I love you.”

Say it again.

“God, I love you.”

And again.

“God, I love you.”