Rekindling My First Love for God

As this year comes to a close, I want to write a note of gratitude to the Lord. Last December, I was reading a passage in the book of Revelation:

“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love Me or each other as you did at first!” (Revelation 2:4, NLT)

As I reflected on these words, God gently prodded my heart and told me that I had lost my first love for Him.

Looking back, I realized this was true. The passion and zeal I once had for God had waned. So, this past year, I decided that rekindling my love for Him would be one of the most important things I could do.

Rediscovering My First Love

I have always had a love and zeal for God. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved sitting at the piano and worshiping Him with all my heart. I’ve loved gathering with other believers at church, lifting my hands and voice to give Him praise. But somewhere along the way, I allowed the strains, problems, and cares of life to crowd out my passion for God.

I continued my spiritual disciplines: waking up early to read His Word, maintaining my prayer lists, and attending church every Sunday. Yet somehow, my first love had grown dim.

This year, I made a simple yet profound decision. Every morning, I would begin my time with God by saying, “I love You, Father.” I gently lifted my voice and expressed my love for Him. That small daily act rekindled my heart, slowly restoring my love and passion for God.

Love: A Decision Beyond Feelings

Love often has ebbs and flows. Sometimes you feel it deeply; other times, you may not. But at its core, love is a decision—a commitment to love regardless of feelings. This year, I decided to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, no matter what.

Jesus was once asked by a religious lawyer:

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment?”

Jesus replied:

“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:36-38, NLT)

I realized that loving God with all my heart is the most important thing I can do every day.

The Fruit of Loving God

To my pleasant surprise, God responded in amazing ways. This year has been a turnaround—a season of His favor and blessing. I turned 70 years old, and honestly, I thought the best years of my life were behind me. But God has shown me and reminded me that He still has incredible adventures in store.

This blog is, first and foremost, a love letter to God. “I love You, Father! You are amazing.”

Secondly, it is a message for anyone who might be in the same place I was last year. Perhaps your first love for God has slipped. My prayer for you is that God will stir your heart and rekindle your love and passion for Him.

Frankly, it’s the most important thing you can do.