How Can I Keep From Singing?

For some reason, a lot of my thinking happens when I'm studying at Borders. Recently, I've been pondering this question of why God created us. A couple weeks ago I was listening to the song "Made to Love" by TobyMac, and the chorus talked about how we were made to love God and adore Him. This made me wonder if God created humans just so that he could be loved and adored and worshipped by us. Someone who used to argue about Christianity with me said that once, that it doesn't make sense to believe in a God that is selfish...which I agree with. I don't think I'd have the same faith in I believed that God created us just to feel loved. Frankly, I don't think I could love a God like that, even if he was awesome and loved me and did all these great things.

So, once again, I'm texting a friend (a brother, really :]) while at Borders, and we are talking about this question. And he asks me, "Do you understand Jesus' death on the cross?" "I think so." "Jesus, who is the Son of God and God himself... don't you agree that he lived a selfless life, suffered on the cross, took on the wrath of God, so that we could have a relationship with God? Does a God like that sound like He created us for selfish reasons? Don't doubt him, Kristina. He loved you before you were born. He finds you beautiful even though you're doubting his plan right now. Isn't that our God?"

Wow.

I almost cried right there in the cafe.

I still haven't figured out what I think about God's reason for creating us. But I know that He is not selfish. Sure, he does desire to be loved by us...and that is rightfully so. For all that He has done for me and blessed me with, He deserves more than I could ever offer Him. "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" (Psalm 103:8), and for that I owe Him everything.

"Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." - Psalm 91:14-16