Leah: Longing for Love

Written by Georgetta Head
Photo by Sai-de-Silva (unsplash)

Fighting for approval and love can leave one hurt and disappointed time and time again.  And, that is what happened to Leah, she was fighting for acceptance and love from her husband Jacob.  Leah was the oldest daughter of Laban and sister to Rachel, and as we just read she was married to Jacob.
 
The Bible tells us, in Genesis 29:16-32, that Rachel was beautiful to look upon and well favored, and Leah was tender eyed. Jacob fell in love with Rachel and requested her in marriage, saying to Laban, her father, he would work for him seven years to marry Rachel.
 
On the wedding night, Laban tricked Jacob and had Leah wear a wedding veil to cover her face, and sent her into Jacob pretending she was Rachel.   The next morning when Jacob discovered the trickery, he was horrified.  He had to work another seven years for Rachel.  The Bible tells us that Leah was hated (v. 31).
 
From what we read in scripture Leah and Rachel had constant tension and disagreements over who would have Jacob’s attention.  And, as you probably guessed, Rachel was the beloved and received Jacob’s acceptance and love.
 
Can you imagine being in a relationship without love and never having the validation of acceptance?  Are you looking for someone to love you?  Well, that was Leah’s life.  Void of love and acceptance!
 
In Verses 31 & 32 we read “And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.  32And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the Lord hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.”  God looked upon Leah’s affliction and blessed Leah with a family - four sons eventually.  But, Rachel remained childless.  God saw how unloved and unaccepted she was, so He comforted her. 
 
Leah accepts God’s love as a positive force in her life and so can we.  God wants to heal the brokenhearted and those with a downcast spirit.  If you are looking for love and acceptance, stop looking for man’s approval and acceptance, receive the unconditional love God has to offer.  He tells us in Psalm 27:10 “when my mother and father forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.”  Through God’s constant and eternal love we can find the strength to survive our lowest moments. 
 
Too often we look for love in people and things or bad habits, but people and things or bad habits can never satisfy our longing for happiness.  Our happiness can never be found in others—our true happiness comes from Father God only!  Through Leah, Father God wants us to know that His love never dies for us and when we reach out to him, He will never forsake us.  He will comfort us and give us the love, assurance, and comfort we need.
 
 Embrace Him today, allow Him to fill the longing in your soul.  Allow Him to comfort you with His presence, joy and peace.
 
 “Sing Praises Unto The King”

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