I’ve been a widow now for almost 14 years. There have been many ups and downs. Gratefully now, I only occasionally get momentary waves of grief that are debilitating. That first year though—that was the hardest!
One of the many things that got me through (surprisingly) was writing a love letter to God.
I was reading Nancy DeMoss’ book, Choosing Gratitude. At the end of her book, she had a 30-day challenge, where she suggested writing a love letter to God as one of the exercises. So I did.
With pen in hand, the first few lines from Elizabeth Browning’s famous sonnet came to mind:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach…
So I started counting the ways.
When I wrote that letter, I was in a good state of mind and very grateful for how God had comforted and sustained me thus far. Nevertheless, I still had many times of overwhelming grief. During those inconsolable times of anguish, the Lord often prompted me to go back and reread that love letter—and it worked! Every time!
Now you may be thinking, “I’m not good with words or expressing my feelings. I’m not a writer like you, Rose.” Many of us growing up were never taught or encouraged to express our thoughts and feelings. So…
How do you write a love letter to God?
1. Get yourself pen and paper and just start.
Don’t worry about grammar or whether it flows or not. Simply pour out your thoughts and feelings the best you can in words.
2. Pray for the words to express what you think, know, and feel about God.
Remember that unlike people, God already knows your thoughts and heart. He will help you write them down if you ask Him.
3. For your content consider:
- What God has done for you specifically
- His attributes
- His Word
- What you are grateful for
- How He saved your soul from the depths of eternal agony to an eternal bliss with Him
- How much you need Him
- How much He loves you and that He died for you
4. Read the psalms for inspiration.
It’s ok to be a copycat as long as you mean what you say. But remember that this is a declaration of your love to God—not a prayer request.
5. Write only words of truth and admit where you fall short.
God wants to be worshipped in spirit and truth (Jn 4:23). He gives grace to the humble (Jas 4:6).
6. Reaffirm your love and commitment, and your desire to love Him more.
Tell Him specifically how you will try to love Him with your whole being—body, soul and spirit—from now on.
~~~~~
These are only suggestions. They are to be your words to the Lover of your soul. God has written His love letter to us—the Bible. Shouldn’t we reciprocate? A personal love letter is just one small way we can show our love to Him.
So my friends, on this Valentine’s Day I hope you will go and write your own love letter to the Lover of your soul.
I have to admit, before now I had not read Elizabeth Browning’s entire sonnet, I only knew the first few lines (see below for the entire sonnet). Nor can I say that I understand most of it. But I have been reinspired to write another love letter to the One who first loved me. Besides, who doesn’t like receiving (and rereading) love letters over and over again?!
How Do I Love Thee?
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Relevant Resources
Love Letter from God
Remembering God—Going Down memory Lane with You Savior
How Do You Love God with Your Whole Being?
Our Knowable God