The Greatest Love of All
Psalm 42: 1–7

I

 grew up in the late 80s and early 90s when, arguably, R&B music was at its best. I remember hearing songs from legends like Peabo Bryson, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, and Regina Bell, and feeling the smooth bravado and airy soprano notes from the top of my little head to the soles of my feet. I remember then, as well as I remember now, the feeling that these singers elicited in my soul. I remember thinking, this is the feeling I want to feel when it comes to being in love. I wanted the love of my life to feel like an 80s or 90s R&B love song. I wanted to feel the depth of the love to the point of tears. Love for me has always been like an 80s or 90s R&B love song.

As such, one of my favorite books of the Bible is Psalms. In particular, Psalm 42: 1-7 opens with one of the best verses, As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. As David wrote these words, his heart yearned to know God intimately. He felt lost and longed for the best of love, God’s love. His words are a love song for the broken-hearted, those who feel forgotten or unlovable. David’s love song is like my favorite songs of the 80s and 90s, reminding us that love is real and it will find us. The difference with the love songs in the Word of God is that the words refer to the best love we can ever need – God’s love. The love we want from humans is fleeting. Human love can disappoint. And human love can surely break our hearts. But not God’s love. God’s love is long-lasting. God’s love is everlasting. God’s love is eternal. God’s love is all we need. And indeed, God’s love is the greatest love of all.

Reflection Prompt: When you think of God’s love, how would you describe the feeling you get?