You have been tired of waiting for something you have never actually had. What you have experienced was almost love, conditional love, love that kept you guessing and anxious and reaching. But God is asking you to wait for something different — something so clear and steady and sure that you will not need to convince yourself it is real. This is for anyone who is learning the difference between settling and truly being chosen.

God: I’m asking you to wait for a different kind of love.

You: What kind?

I need you to stop accepting versions of love that aren’t this.

– Jacqueline Whitney

God: The kind that doesn’t make you anxious. The kind that doesn’t keep you guessing. The kind that shows up consistently, without you having to chase it.

You: Does that even exist?

God: It exists. And it’s the kind I’m preparing for you. But I need you to stop accepting versions of love that aren’t this. Every time you settle for less, you delay what I’m trying to bring you.

You: I’m just tired of waiting.

God: I know. But what you’re tired of waiting for, you’ve never actually experienced. You’ve experienced what people called love but didn’t feel like love. You’ve experienced almost-love. Partial love. Conditional love. You’re tired of waiting for something you’ve never seen.

You: What does it look like?

God: It looks like rest. Like coming home. Like being chosen without convincing. It feels like the absence of anxiety. It doesn’t require you to translate their actions or decode their meaning. It’s clear. Steady. Sure.

You: I want that.

God: Then wait for it. Don’t settle for anything that requires you to talk yourself into believing it’s love. The real thing won’t need that kind of effort.

Jacqueline Whitney is the author Held: A 50 Day Devotional For Parents and All That You Deserve.