From the moment we were born most of us spent a great deal of time in someone’s arms. Whether it was our mom, dad, or another who cared for us, we were held, hugged and helped most of our waking hours. We depended on another not only to meet our physical needs, but our emotional needs and wants as well.
As we grew and gained independence our attachment to others waned and we began to show and accept less physical affection. We may have even pushed away from those who wanted to embrace us, declaring ourselves “too old” for the mushy stuff. We wanted to stand on our own two feet, not needing someone else to hold us up.
When we were introduced to God many of us were encouraged to focus on the rules He expects us to follow and the life He wants us to lead. We are told that God loves us, but often that love seems far away and conditional. We sing the song “Jesus Loves The Little Children” and have that picture of the children gathered around Jesus, smiling and being held by Him. It’s a beautiful picture, but just as our independence may cause us to push away the affection of humans, we also may find ourselves pushing away the affection of God. We struggle and strive to be “good enough”, fearing perfection is the only way to stay in God’s good graces.
But does it ever get lonely? Do you ever wish you could go back and climb into someone’s lap to be held and told everything is going to be okay?
I have good news for you! God is waiting to do just that.
While God does lay out rules for us and desires us to live without sin, He looks at our hearts along with our actions. If Jesus Christ is our Savior and we live our lives with the desire to please Him and to help others come to know Him as well, His love becomes that of a Father, not a judge. God isn’t waiting to punish us each time we do wrong. He will correct us as a Father corrects His children, but He also longs to love on us, not cast us aside each time we do wrong.
If you are a parent, think of your love for your children. If you don’t have children of your own, think of how you feel toward your nieces, nephews or other children to whom you are close. Sometimes you are required to discipline them. Part of your responsibility is to teach them right from wrong and help them to become wonderful human beings. But after you discipline them, what do you do next? Do you send them away until they become perfect or do you take them into your arms to reinforce how much you love them even though sometimes they fail? You most likely treasure the time you can hug them, hold them and reassure them of your love, no matter how old your children get.
Now remember that we were made in God’s image. That’s right, God made us like Him! The affection we feel for others is indicative of His love for us.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1
I want to put a challenge out to each of you. When you feel alone, and aren’t sure of your place in the world, find a quiet spot where you can spend some time with God. Begin talking to Him and revealing your heart as if you were a child again. Push aside the preconceived notions in your head of how you are supposed to act and what you are supposed to say when you’re talking with God and just tell Him how you feel. Imagine that you are little again, running to your dad or mom, falling into their arms and pouring out your story. Visualize yourself falling into God’s arms and climbing into His lap.
Then just rest there and feel His comfort, peace and love.
He’s waiting for you to rest in the peace only He can give.
In your Father’s eyes you are never too old to hold.
Wishing you blessings and peace today.
Paula
Paula Davis 