Already His

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The blue card laid between us. My best handwriting filled the lines and I turned my head slightly to gain a clearer perspective. Still, no matter how long I stared, I couldn’t figure out how to explain the depth of difficulty and utter importance this verse has on us all.

And you must love the Lord your God
with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5

Even Jesus reiterated its importance. Matthew, Mark, and Luke kept record. So I thought it would be best to start there.

His big hazel eyes were still on mine when I asked if he thought he understood. He picked up the index card to read aloud one more time.

“So, we must love the Lord with all our heart and soul and strength. Right?”

“Yes, that’s right. We MUST… that’s a big command, wouldn’t you say? And that word ALL…it leaves nothing for us to keep for ourselves. We must give Him our all…out of love.”

“Yeah…” he muttered, deep in thought as he set the card back down. “Well, that’s easy really. Since all of those things are already His!” And he jumped to his feet and started walking away.

I sat there stunned, thinking he didn’t quite understand and asked him to explain it to me.

In his six-year-old wisdom, he said plainly:

“Mom, I gave Jesus my heart a long time ago. It’s His. Since my heart is in my soul, that’s His, too. And I know He’s the one that gives strength. So that’s easy to give to Him since it’s already His! Oh, and I gave my heart and soul to Him because I love Him! Of course I won’t take it back.”

He grabs his trusty stuffed pooch and skips off to finish his lego masterpiece.

And I’m left there to pick up the pieces…

Friends, I’m not sure when I started taking back things I’d given my Jesus long ago. I don’t know when this verse became difficult to master. I don’t know when the words must and all became so big when He gave up all His strength for me long ago…even though He didn’t have to.

Jesus didn’t even need the word ‘must’ to give His all.

I pick the blue card back up and scribble “Already His” in the margins. And as I tuck it back in my Bible to remind me, I whisper:

Thank You, Jesus, for letting the children come to You so that I might do the same.

Here’s my heart. My soul. And everything else I can muster in my being. With all my strength, I give it to you. For keeps. No change backs because I love You. I trust You with it all…all of me.

Father, if you say I must, I will. If You want it all, it’s Yours. It doesn’t feel like much, but I’ve seen You do more with less.

Jesus, I’m Yours. And Your love is more than I’ll ever need…

How about you, friend? What does this verse mean to you? I’d love to hear.

3 Responses to Already His
  1. Sherrey Meyer
    June 11, 2014 | 11:04 pm

    Hello, amazing Nikki! Still taking those words and finding the tiny grains of love and forgiveness in them, aren’t you? I loved reading this post. It lifted a heart that was feeling heavy tonight when I sat down to check emails. He must have known I needed to read some Nikki Laven inspiration and wisdom. And there you were. Tucked into my inbox all cozy and waiting for me. Just waiting. Thank you, Jesus, for Nikki and her part in my life. Thank you for bringing us together online and miles apart. Love her and I know You do too.

    Blessings, dear Nikki, on you and yours!

  2. Dolly
    June 19, 2014 | 12:02 am

    Hi Nikki,
    I always appreciate Matty’s insights and how you share them with us…Precious 🙂 Thank you 🙂

  3. Missy
    June 22, 2014 | 9:43 pm

    Oh Nikki, I love the simplicity with which your precious son views this important command. As one given in love. As one that is received with love. I am so grateful that He invites the little ones to come to Him, that we can all come along too. Lovely.