Hold Me Alone

“A jealous God will not be content with a divided heart; He must be loved first and best.” Charles Haddon Spurgeon

As I entered the classroom to pick-up my 18-month old grandson from his playschool, another little boy toddled toward me with hands raised eager for me to pick him up. Before I could move, my grandson bolted cross the room shouting, “No, no, no!” He raised his arms as well, and I plucked him up and gave him a reassuring hug. An attentive teacher picked up the other little boy, and he got a snuggle as well.

Jealousy (slightly different from envy which describes us wanting something that someone else has) is when we compete for something (or someone) that only one person can have.

God describes Himself as a jealous God but never an envious God. He doesn’t want or need what we have. But He is jealous for our affections and longs to have the crowning relationship in our lives. 

God told Moses, “ You shall have no other gods before me. . . You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God.” (Exodus 20:3, 5a)

Raise your arms to Him alone. Worship the One who is jealous for your affections and longs to have a loving relationship with you.