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“What a [woman] desires is unfailing love …” Proverbs 19:22a (NIV)
I had everything I wanted yet felt empty and confused.
My life was full of relationships and accomplishments I’d worked hard to gain, but none could fill or fulfill me.
Frustrated by my aching emptiness, tears streamed down my face as I thought about the guy I dated through high school and college. Our future plans had crumbled under the pressure of me expecting him to be all I needed.
I had been crazy about him — a little too crazy.
Like the time a friend mentioned my ex-boyfriend was heading to our hometown for the weekend. We worked near each other, so Friday afternoon I parked by his office and waited for him to leave.
We both “happened” to be at the same fast food restaurant, at the same time and bumped into each other. After getting my order, I got in my car and followed behind him, hoping he’d see me, realize he couldn’t live without me and signal to pull over so we could talk.
Seriously, what was I thinking? As you can guess, he never stopped. I was hopeless and humiliated…
A few weeks later, I was taking a walk around my college campus. My eyes drifted to the buildings, dorms and other landmarks of memories. Suddenly my mind filled with a collage of faces, reminding me of my efforts to win the approval of advisors, friends and professors — hoping their affirmation could fill my emptiness.
Although I was graduating soon, had a few great job offers and achieved success in many ways, my heart still felt restless. And I couldn’t help but wonder: Why was all that I had never enough?
A thought rushed through my soul, stringing together two words I had never put next to each other. I sensed God answering me.
Renee, all you have ever wanted is unconditional love.
Unconditional love? I didn’t know there was such a thing. Then God whispered into my soul: You’ll never find the love you long for in anyone or anything but Me. I AM the unconditional love you’re looking for.
The thought of God loving me without any conditions was inconceivable, yet something deep in my soul told me it was true. I’d been looking for love that didn’t have to be earned. Love I didn’t have to fear losing.
Honestly, it was hard to see how God’s love could fill the emptiness in my heart. It took time, but I came to understand that God created me with that need for fulfillment so He could meet it.
Proverbs 19:22a, says, “What a person desires is unfailing love.”
The word “desire” comes from the Hebrew word ta’avah, which means: to greatly long for, deeply desire or crave. Interestingly, unfailing love is mentioned over 30 times in the Bible, and not once is it in reference to a person. It is only attributed to God.
Could it be that God gave us a desire for unfailing love, because He knew it could lead us back to Him?
If today’s post resonated with you, I hope you’ll ENTER TO WIN (This giveaway has ended, but I’d still love to hear from you!)
a copy of my new Confident Heart Devotional. I truly believe the stories and truths in it will change your life {like they have mine}!
Based on honest struggles we all have with comparison, self-doubt, fear of failing, and the life-changing lessons God’s taught me and ten other women, {whose stories are in the book} you will discover how to change the way you feel by changing the way you think – which will transform the way you live!
Expanding on what readers of my first book LOVED most: “When I say … God says …” statements, I’ve written 60 new devotions and new {WISGS} statements to equip you with a new a thought map and a promise – to live in every day!
ENTER TO WIN (This giveaway has ended, but I’d still love to hear from you!)
Share your thoughts in the comments below to WIN one of 5 copies of my A Confident Heart Devotional or a copy of The Five Love Languages: Singles Edition for you or a friend. Be sure to let us know which book you’d like to win!
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After going through my divorce which was not my choice I found God’s unconditional love waiting for me to heal my pain. I’m still struggle with finding affirmation in others and long to become more confident in my faith and knowledge of God’s love. I read 5 love languages but when I was married so I would love to revisit it now that I am single. Thanks so your words of encouragement! Blessings!!
It was very inspiring.
Thank you,
Donna
Being reminded of Gods unconditional love is a wonderful thing. Even though I know that he feels this way and that he is within me providing this sometimes it is really hard to remember, during the hard times. Long story short I am watching my family being torn apart from the inside out due to a lie by someone within our home. And although I think I know the truth of what is happening… There is still doubt. And love that came so easy before now comes as struggle. I know that my Heavenly Father will see me through this to completion. And that he will stand beside me through whatever my come. I just need to remember that he loves me unconditionally and always will. His love will bring me through everything. Thank you for this reminder.
OMG! My heart raced. My eyes welled up. Oh my how today’s devotional touched my heart! In conjunction with another study I’m doing, your message on Proverbs 31 connected them together to give me a huge “light bulb” moment today!
Thank you for such a though provoking devotional today.
Although I’ve been a Christian since I was young I am still on the journey of TRULY surrendering and knowing with my whole mind and soul that God CAN fulfill all my needs. I look forward to checking out your devotional, whether I win one or not. Thank you for being a part of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
I’ve been searching for years for that “unconditional love” that you talk about. I am a recovering drug addict and have been sober for 7 years. I am a mother and a wife. Life, you’d think, would be really awesome for me with all I’ve overcome! Yet sometimes I sit here and cry and feel that emptiness like I’m still all alone! Reading has helped me lately. The Bible is a wonderful story. I would love to read your book, “A confident Heart Devotional.” Maybe it would help me understand this unconditional love that I’m searching for and not finding! I pray, but hear no answers.
Your story sounds like what I need in my life. I find myself looking for others approval to fill those empty spots also. I know I already have God’s unconditional , but I do find myself seeking others approval way to often.
I was that girl. I’m so thankful that God showed me that he is my all and that no person or thing can be that for me. Thank you for the reminder and focus shift today!
Hi Renee!
I would love to win a copy of your devotional book and the book on the five Love Languages. I am a single lady learning each and every day how to rest and live in God’s unfailing love.
Thanks for your ministry!
Wonderful devotional! Reading this this morning was a confirmation to me from God. I have been uncovering some issues from my past and realizing that it is time to replace the lies that i have believed since childhood. Satan carefully orchestrates the events in our lives to decieve us in the way that creates the most impact . I refuse to continue to trust in my past experiences or even in the foundational beliefs of my past. These beliefs were created by ME not by the God that loves me. God my father is the only one that truly has my best interests in mind. He is the only one I can trust in. He is the only one that can fill n fullfill me. I want to gather any and all knowledge that i can to help me readjust the way I recieve that love from my heavenly father. I know He is my only living water and im tired of being thirsty. I would like to win a copy of Renees Confident Heart devotional to assist me in this process. Thanks for creating the opputunity to win:)
Neat devotional! I would love to win the 2 books. Thanks!
Thanks for this today!! I know that his love is unconditional, internalizing that is so much harder, but I am working on it, and this definitely gave me some much needed encouragement on the journey today.
I really needed to hear these words today! Thank you Renee for everything that you do! Thank you to the other women who have shared their thoughts- it really helps me feel like I am not alone in my struggles:)
I would really love to read the devotional.
This was for me totally! I battle my flesh tremendously in this area. Thank you Renee for allowing God to speak a word through you in such a sweet & beautiful way!
You hit the nail on the head, I like you have seen a guy I dated and even though I am married, when I see him I wander if he thinks of me. I know I long for unconditional love which in the real world does not exist between people, can only happen between you and God. I can tell in my life when I am not as close to God as I should be. I struggle daily, I attend church, try to get my kids to go but as they have gotten older and one is having migraine headaches that now it is hard to get them to go, their father has always comes up with excuses not to go to church, so he does not set a good example for them. I have changed churches and he always finds something wrong with the church or the people. Finally I decided that I am going to church for me I am the one that needs to be happy with where I go. I believe your books would be a true blessing to read and have.
I already have your book and would like to have “The Five Love Languages: Singles Edition”, since I am single and do not look forward to this love season.
Todays reading really hit home for me. I dont get along with my mom the best. We have constantly struggled over the years and I have always looked for the unconditional love from her since that is what parents are supposed to give – right?!? This post gives me a lot to pray about and think about. Thank you!
So thankful for God’s unconditional love. I wish I had felt it when i was younger. I too chased humans for love. I would have had more confidence if I had realized all of this sooner.
God’s love for me is like no other I have ever known in the spiritual sense. The waiting and having patience for a physical soul mate is the challenging part of the faith. I try to understand daily that God’s timing is perfect.
I want to get closer to God. He has not failed me yet and i need Him always. I will use whatever resources are available to receive His guidance.