Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number.
Jeremiah 2:32
The wedding dress was breathtaking. I knew when I saw it in the bridal magazine that it would be the dress I would wear on my wedding day. Tearing out the picture of the dress along with the shoes covered in pearls, and the beautiful rhinestone jewelry, I placed the pictures inside the clear plastic sleeve of my wedding planner.
Every day I would glance at the pictures thinking of the day I would walk down the aisle beautifully adorned to meet my groom. It was a moment I dreamed of. Forgetting to wear my wedding dress and ornaments was never a thought.
The prophet Jeremiah used the example of a bride not forgetting to wear her wedding dress or ornaments to confront the people of Israel about how they have forgotten God. On many occasions, God told His people how they have forgotten him and would run after other gods and idols. He even called them lovers.
And I will punish her for the feast days of the Baals when she burned offerings to them and adorned Herself with her ring and jewelry, and went after her lovers and forgot me, declares the Lord.
Hosea 2:13
There are many things that compete not only for our hearts, but God’s rightful place in our lives. Our lives give evidence as to who or what our other lovers are. Other lovers or idols are those things, even good things, which we make more important than God. Those things that we are unwilling to let go. Those things that make us feel loved and valued. Those things that distract us from God.
As the Bride of Christ, we should desire to live out one of my favorite verses:
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
Psalm 73:25
Prayer: Lord, Jesus, help me to focus on you more than anything or anyone else. Forgive me for allowing other lovers to matter more than you. I want to seek your face daily and never forget all the wonderful things you have done for me.