First Love

                 Recently this song has been playing almost daily on the radio and my church has been playing it during worship the last few sundays. When I first sang it I didn't pay as much attention to the words. But hearing it so often I started listening to the words instead of the music and I heard the beauty in its truth.

                        It is the beauty of Christ's covenant love towards me and his promise to clothe me in white, bring beauty from ashes, and remain faithful as he cleanses me from my guilt and shame. Is is the story of Hosea and Gomer in my own life. Right now the sins and the mistakes and the ways I failed just today to praise him are running through my mind. Yet he loves me, he forgives me, he longs to bring me back to him. This is a reason for praise. This is a reason for praise to be eternal. 

Your love is devoted like a ring of solid gold

Like a vow that is tested like a covenant of old

Your love is enduring through the winter rain

And beyond the horizon with mercy for today

Faithful You have been and faithful You will be

You pledge Yourself to me and it's why I sing

Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips

Now You're making me like You

Clothing me in white

Bringing beauty from ashes

For You will have Your bride

Free of all her guilt and rid of all her shame

And known by her true name and it's why I sing

Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips

                When I think of all he has given me: my family, my fiance, my job, my friends, my dog, my horse, my car, my house, my clothes, my tomatoes...all of the small things that bring me joy. His love has allowed so many blessings, so much comfort in my life. Somedays I know I have taken it all for granted and that I haven't given him the praise he is due, most days. He is my first love. The one who captured my heart and who I find myself being captivated by all over again.