I have four tasks I need you to do before finishing this article:

• Go to a quiet place by yourself. (Bring a piece of paper, something to write with, and your phone or computer.)

• Think of your favorite LOVE song.

• Now look up the lyrics to that song and write them down on a piece of paper.

• Lastly, I want you to play the song and read along as if Jesus is singing it to you.

STOP HERE. (continue reading this article when you finish the 4 tasks)

When I did this exercise, I chose one of my personal favorites: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. A verse in the song says “take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can’t help falling in love with you.” Those words perfectly described Jesus’ love for me.

He surrendered His life on the cross so that we could have a relationship with Him. I didn’t realize until that moment just how selfish I had been in my relationship with Christ. Being a control freak is the exact opposite of what God wants for my life. He wants us to rest in Him alone and allow Him to work through us. However, I was doing the exact opposite by constantly trying to take the reins from His hands. Whether it was relationship, family, friend, or school related I mostly acted as if I could handle everything on my own. Truth is- without His love for me I wouldn’t even get to experience such blessings on this earth. I am so undeserving of His love, but I could not be more thankful that I am loved by Him in such an imaginable way.

My challenge for you is to seek God in all aspects of your life. Let God LOVE you with everything He has. Stop shutting Him out. Quit silencing His voice. Let Him take the reins on your life. Look to Him for guidance in all areas. I encourage you to love one another and encourage one another. I write this to hopefully show you a new way to experience God’s LOVE for you. Surrendering is not an easy process; temptations or trying to take control of everything is a constant battle in my life and more than likely in yours also. Therefore, I encourage you to listen to that love song you chose (or any other love song for that matter), and imagine Jesus singing those words to you every day that you doubt His plans for your life. He is in the little things just as much as He is the big.

Verses to encourage you in LOVE for every day walks of life:

(Romans 12:9) LOVE must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

(Mark 12:31) LOVE your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.

(1 Corinthians 13:13) These three remain: faith, hope, and LOVE. But the greatest of these is LOVE.

(1 Peter 4:8) Above all, LOVE each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

(1 John 4:7) Dear friends, let us LOVE one another, for LOVE comes from God. Everyone who LOVES has been born of God and knows God.