Jimmy Needham "Dearly Loved"

John writes:
" ¹⁵Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. ¹⁷The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17

In the song, "Dearly Loved," Jimmy Needham speaks about "the world." He showcases it as a liar. He says it doesn't satisfy. When Jesus came across a woman at the well, he tells her she came for water, but he could give her water that would never make her thirst again. It is interesting to think of people who are searching the world for satisfaction as thirsty. Thirst can be uncomfortable. Its a lack of water. Water is life-giving. Without it, man dies. So if a person without Jesus, walks through this world with a great thirst, no wonder they might turn to all kinds of things that promise fullfillment. The song says, "To the slaughter you are being led/ Being told that it's a party /That this God is in your head/ And every single lie/ Sounds just like the greatest truth."

I remember in college, the number of people who relied on going out and drinking to bring happiness. I remember many who looked to that type of life to make them feel wanted and to help them enjoy their hours. Heck, I used to be one of "these people." Many just want to find happiness. Some people rely on money. Some on a hobby. Some put all their happiness needs on another human. Just because you aren't looking up to a gold-plated calf, doesn't mean you aren't paying homage to something else. Heck some people worship celebrities or fictional blood-sucking romantics. Ha. Okay, maybe that is going too far.

However, it means nothing compared to God's love. Jimmy Needham is right. It's worth it to know your maker and to lose your sin.



I was just talking to someone who was dumped yesterday. They took it pretty bad. I know how it feels. It  sucks. I talked to them about God having a plan and that we need to have faith that he has our best interest in mind. Man, it helps to know that. It is amazing when you give yourself over to true faith, when you believe that just by calling on him, you are calling in 100% reliable back up. Well, more like front up...as in, He is the leader.

Jesus tells us it is worth to know him. No greater joy. No great truth. In Matthew 11:28-30, He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Amen for that. 

I feel like many people, I am thinking of a few in my family, will pray when times are tough. But that prayer is just catharsis. It is just meant to express a feeling. Its just so amazing when you have faith enough to believe that prayer to come true. I think I have been growing in faith. I believe that when I pray, God hears me. I believe that he knows my heart and he knows my circumstances and he is in my corner.

I know I am dearly loved. And it is so nice to know.