As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.

~1 Peter 2:2 NKJV

INFANT MILK SUBSTITUTE

Milk sustained my infant daughter, but since I was going back to work, I needed her to accept the formula. She staunchly refused, knowing this substitute was not the real deal.

After two weeks of trying, I handed her off to the babysitter with tears, “If she cries too much, tell me, and I’ll return.”

No substitute was good enough for my baby girl. It took several additional weeks for her to tolerate formula, and since she wasn’t gaining weight because she drank so little of it, I started experimenting with foods, hoping these would supplement her growth.

My daughter’s inflexibility to settle for substitute milk reminded me I was doing the same with my pursuit of Beloved Jesus. I was settling. In the busyness of motherhood, maintaining my career, and pursuing life, I neglected what was best: Jesus. I knew I needed to rectify the situation.

SPIRITUAL MILK SUBSTITUTE

Your lips, O my spouse, drip as the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue; and the fragrance of Your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.

~Song 4:11 NKJV

In our pursuit of Beloved Jesus, it’s easy to settle for a substitute gospel. Are we listening to motivational speeches, or are we seeking the truth of the Word? Do we study the Word ourselves? Are we satisfied with reading a snippet of our Bibles as we whisk off to work at breakneck speed? Are we spending what we call quality time by asking our Lord to speak to us while we are on the highway watching vehicles weave to and fro?

I did all the above. Pursuing my Jesus must be a conscious decision. I made an appointment with my Pastor and asked for ideas.

“God will make a way,” Pastor said, “even if it’s an unusual solution.”

As Pastor prayed for me, I knew God would answer my prayer.

A week later, I realized my daughter was content if I’d sing and rock her with a blanket over her head. I’d start there and then open my Bible to fill my own soul with the sustenance I needed.

I had determined to hold on to the One I valued most. Had I not done so, I might have contented myself with substitutes.

CHOOSING TO PURSUE THE TRUE

His eyes are like doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.

~Song 5:12 NKJV

Our Bridegroom wants to satisfy us with treasures from God’s Word. But He must have our full attention. He has milk and meat and wants to give both.

If we determine to drink the milk of the Word, our Beloved will reveal truth upon truth to our listening souls. Time spent in pursuit of Beloved is the best activity we can cultivate.

Beloved Jesus’ gaze is glorious. His eyes are washed with milk and fitly set and are glorious for us to behold. When we spend time in His presence, we may see Him in our mind’s eye as He washes over us with the truth of His Word.

The peace our Savior imparts, and the relationship we have with our Bridegroom-King is the most important pursuit we can have on this side of Heaven.

Hold onto the relationship you have with your Beloved Jesus. Don’t let anything come between you and Him. Be determined not to settle for substitutes.

How can you prioritize your relationship with Beloved Jesus?

My Beloved Jesus, thank You for being my all-in-all. This day, I choose to be satisfied only with the milk and meat of Your Word. I refuse to settle for any substitute.

Your Bride,

Love

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: Milk: Diane Virginia: All Rights Reserved