I love the story of Leah in the Bible. When studying the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, the Bible places more attention and emphasis on Jacob’s love for Rachel, but not much is said about Leah. But boy oh boy, Leah was a force.
I remember the first time I read the story, found in Genesis 29; I was amazed by Leah’s story more so than Rachel’s because I could not understand why she continued to have children to gain the attention of her husband.
Have you ever wanted something so badly that you went through long lengths to obtain it? Much like Leah, we crave the attention of others, from our parents, our friends, our teachers, and our spouses. We think, strategize, plan, plot, and work hard at the things we believe will gain us the attention we seek.
Leah, more than anything else, wanted Jacob to love her, but he had preserved all of his love for Rachel. In her quest to be loved, Leah was unable to experience God. As Leah worked hard to gain Jacob’s attention, God gave her a lot of attention. But Leah was unable to accept that God sees her; she could not see that God favored her; despite her inability to receive God’s abundant love, God stayed faithful to his promises and continued to bless her.
I often struggle with wanting to have what I believe that I deserve. I work hard at convincing others that I deserve, whatever it is that they are withholding from me. What then transpires is that I fail to recognize the wins, favors, grace, and love of God fully present in my life.
Like Leah, I often use my limited ability in attempting to control my life and how others treat me. Because I become overly focused on what I may be lacking, I lose focus on blessings in my life.
I neglect to see that my son had the biggest smile when he saw me sitting on his bed when I woke up. I ignore the fact that my children wake up happy, healthy every single day while other children are lying in the hospital, literally dying. I fail to appreciate the fact that I get to go to a job that I love and where I am well received.
Change your focus. See what God sees in you, accept that God loves you, and there is nothing you can do to change that. Guard your heart, protect it, because from it flows the wellspring of your life. Then live your life purposefully and fully to meet the greatness God has placed inside of you.
Thanks for exploring this topic with me.
Idara
12 Comments
Vee - Designs By Vee
This is so deep and relatable. I’ve definitely been in Leah situation with wanting/needing attention. I think it’s definitely relatable now that most people are in the house more than ever. Great post. It allows you to think about the things you might have taken for granted.
Nikki
Yes, Vee the story does teach us about what we take for granted but it also teaches how to see value in ourselves.
Cristina Petrini
I believe that Leah’s teachings must actually be common mantras on which to shape our life.
Nikki
I completely agree with you.
Doreen
This so powerful. I have taken a lot points from this. God sees me, all of me, my flaws, my weaknesses and He loves and there is nothing I can do to change that.
Nikki
Yes, girl! There is nothing you or anybody else can do to change how God sees you. Thanks for reading.
Stephanie
I love this comparison and how you have taken such a great lesson from it. Well done!
Jen @ JENRON DESIGNS
I love this post, and can think of a few people I need to pass this on too, that would greatly benefit. Especially on the focus on what you have portion, and start everything on the right foundation. It would save them so much time.
Nikki
I agree with your comment. Could you imagine a world where people are internally focused and God-centered? What peace we would have.
Tara Fuller
I really really loved this lesson. It’s such a good reminder to be present and allow ourselves to receive God’s love and hear His word. It’s so easy to be distracted and caught up in the world around us, especially now. Thank you for this!
Nikki
Thank you for reading Tara. We all need a reminder, once in a while.
Dyslexia
I will surely foreward this post to all of my pals! Its very excellent and a very high-quality read!