Talking About the One You Love - Kingdom Building Ministries

The LORD is my shepherd...I will fear no evil, for you are with me (Psalm 23:1,4).

Have you ever loved someone so much that you talked about him or her constantly? Maybe it's even gotten to the point where those around you are tired of hearing about it! You can't stop telling everyone how wonderful so-and-so is--whether it's a spouse, friend, parent, mentor or whomever--and pretty soon, you earn a reputation as "the guy who won't shut up about his girlfriend" or, "that girl who talks about her dad all the time."

If you've ever been that person, you've probably experienced that after a while, it's not enough for you simply to talk about your loved one. The more you tell others how great she is, the more you realize you don't just want to talk about her, you want to talk to her.

The Beloved experienced that kind of love in Song of Songs. First she talks about how she longs for her lover: Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth (Song of Songs 1:2a). But immediately she starts talking right to him: --for your love is more delightful than wine (Song of Songs 1:2b).

David expressed that same love for the Lord in the 23rd Psalm. He begins by talking about God: The LORD is my shepherd...He makes me lie down...He leads me...he restores my soul...He guides me (Psalm 23:1-3). But about halfway through the psalm, the voice changes. No longer is David just telling others about God's goodness; he's talking directly to the Lord: you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me...You prepare a table before me...You anoint my head with oil (Psalm 23:4-5).

When we've been Christians for a while, we start to "learn the lingo," and we get a feel for saying just the right things. In our Christian circles, it becomes easy to spout off "Christian-ese" about the Lord. "God is good, amen?" we tell each other. "God is teaching me a lot about His grace." "The Lord has blessed me so much." "He is worthy of all our praise."

These are all true statements--and it's important to share our knowledge of and love for God with those around us. But before long, all that talk about God's character and deeds should lead us to a desire for direct communication with Him. After all, if He really is so amazing, we should want to talk to Him and spend time with Him!

Are you content with talking about what God is like? Or are you so in love with Him that you've got to talk directly to Him?

--Amy Kaylor

Don't just get caught up in saying the right Christian words about God. Take advantage of the freedom you have in Jesus to talk to Him!

Amy Kaylor is a senior at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. She is currently a communication intern for Kingdom Building Ministries.