» Keep your voice from crying and your eyes from tears. For you will receive pay for your work,’ says the Lord» (Jeremiah 31: 16, NLV).
IF YOU HAVE ever felt the desire to have someone who is close to you—for example, your husband, your mother, a child, a friend, or a workmate— give you more attention and words of encouragement, today’s message is for you. Thinking that you are not treated as you want to be (or, worse yet, as you deserve) will bring you nothing good, but just the contrary: you will become a «love beggar» who connects with others from a place of inner emptiness. You will see yourself as a victim, not as the leading character of your own life, having the power of the God of the universe at your disposition.
I know that it is a human tendency and that, after all, we are human, but if you have allowed weeping, anger, and frustration to dwell in your aching heart, you need to know that those weaknesses will find welcome in your being, and when they do, you will find it very difficult to rise above them. You will be allowing your selfishness to stifle love, and your vanity to compel others to love and value you and go through your life whispering the most beautiful words in your ears. That is a position that must be avoided at all costs.
Einstein wrote, «Maturity begins to manifest itself when we feel that our concern for others is greater than our concern for ourselves.» In other words, doing mental circles around me and my circumstances is a sign of immaturity. On the other hand, centering thoughts and efforts on the needs of others, especially with regard to their salvation, is a sign of personal and spiritual maturity.
Confucius also wrote, «He who tries to ensure the well-being of others has already ensured his own.» The key is pouring out love, not begging for it. That outpouring of Christian love will yield its «pay,» whatever it may be. Perhaps it will not be to receive recognition, but it will be the satisfaction of unselfish service to the Lord. If your love and service to others grow every day, you will not have the time to think about yourself, and your emotional needs will be satisfied at the feet of Jesus.
The Bible story talks about a woman at a well who lived in search of love, but did not find happiness until she learned to love Jesus. He satisfied her being. The same thing will happen to you.