The last few days I have had a song in my head. It has literally followed me around and been there every time I have had a break in activity or conversation. I am sure I have driven my family (not to mention neighbours!) bonkers by singing it every five minutes at the top of my voice!

It’s not a new song; “How He loves” by Kim Walker-Smith is some years old now. Some of the lyrics are, frankly, a tad odd. They don’t sit with me and I certainly would not have penned them. But there is something SO powerful about the song, and these strange poetic words, none-the-less.

See what you think…

“He is jealous for me
loves like a hurricane
I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy
When all of a sudden
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by Glory
And I realize just how beautiful You are
and how great Your affections are for me

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us, how He loves us so

Yeah He loves us
Oh how He loves us
Oh how He loves us
Oh how He loves

We are his portion and He is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean we’re all sinking
So, heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

He loves us
Oh how He loves us
Oh how he loves.”

If you don’t know the song, check it out on Youtube.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps

It takes a while to crank up… and she sings the first few verses almost too low in her voice range…but you see why later:)

We think of jealousy as a negative, destructive emotion much of the time. But the opening line of this song is about God’s jealousy for us.
What does this mean?

His jealousy is His love, His undying protection, favour, blessing, inheritance, legacy, promises and grace. It is His covering, His overshadowing, His mercy and freedom. It is His character and His heart.

God is jealous for us – not in response to some threat, but all the time. He will brook no rival. He will countenance no-one else sharing His rightful place on the throne of our lives.

I praise God today for His jealous care for me. Where would I be without His love? Where would I be without His care and protection?!

He loves us
Oh how He loves us
Oh How He loves!

Father, thank you that we are safe in your care. Thank you that You mind very much who we talk with and how we relate to others. Thank you for your covering and protection at this time. Thank you for saving us from cul-de-sacs and wasted years. Thank you for hiding us from time-wasting and ineffective projects. Thank you for saving the best ’til last. Thank you for your holy, beautiful, white-hot jealousy that saves us from being loved by those who can hurt us. Teach us to guard our hearts today and keep us grounded and strong in You. If we are waiting, teach us to wait well. If we are working, teach us to work well. If we are longing, teach us to long without frustration and to know that You are jealous for us.

Amen