Some of the deepest core longings of the human heart are love, acceptance, relationship, and security. When these core longings go unmet, the ache of the human heart is profound and at times unbearably overwhelming. Abuse, rejection, abandonment, violence, bullying, and trauma are some instances in which the longings of the heart go unmet. As a result, we begin a futile pursuit of "looking for love in all the wrong places". We look to people or things that we hope will relieve the pain of being denied a need, or at least bring temporary comfort and soothe the ache of a longing heart.
At the root of many emotional struggles and challenges, maladaptive coping skills, relational and behavioral problems is the unmet longing of the heart--the need to be loved, accepted, and secure. These longings are natural, instinctive, and designed by God. Only God can truly meet the needs and longings of the heart because he is love.
And, his love is unconditional and pure. It is not something we can earn--we already possess it. How can we earn something we already have? Even if you feel unworthy or undeserving of his love, it does not change the fact that you already have it. Simply open your heart and accept the gift that you have been given. If you made mistakes, done things you regret or are not proud of--simply ask for forgiveness. Tell God you are sorry. His love even covers our sins.
Prayer:
Father, thank you that you love me. I thank you that I am special and that you care for me. I thank you for your unconditional love. I open my heart to you and I accept your perfect gift of love. I pray that you would forgive me of every sin and remove; uproot any thoughts that would keep me from embracing this truth. In Jesus' name, amen.