I work at a daycare, and the best part of my day is when the kids see their parents in the afternoons. Regardless of how their day went, as soon as they see their mom or dad, their face lights up, their body language changes, and they run to their parent ready for the embrace they are so familiar with.
There is one precious little girl that every time her dad comes to get her, she screams, “DADDY!” and drops her bags and runs to him. Some of these children know that they will be getting in trouble at home for acting out, some have had a great day playing with friends, and then some have had an awful day of missing their mom or dad. But all of them run to their parent with reckless abandon at the end of the day.
This is my daily reminder of whose familiar arms I can run into for safety, provision, rest, and comfort. These sweet little babies remind me every day that my Father wants me to welcome his warm embrace. On those days when we feel like all we have done is made mistake after mistake, He wants us to come to Him so He can cleanse us and be in His presence.
Hebrews 10:22 states, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
On those days when everything has gone wrong, and you are brokenhearted and weary, He wants us to run to Him for His healing and affection.
Psalm 147:3 tells us, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
On those days when everything is going right, God wants us to talk with Him about that.
James 5:13b says, “Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.”
I have a hard time remembering that God wants us when we have made a mess and down in the dumps, and He wants us when we are experiencing a mountaintop high. Just like the relationships the daycare kids have with their parents, God wants us to run with reckless abandon to Him, yelling, “DADDY! Listen to what happened today. I really need you; life is hard right now. Look at this new thing I learned to do. I had such a good day.” He wants to take it all, just for us to long for his presence.
Recently, I heard an author say that they like to take their laundry straight from the dryer when it’s still warm, put it on their bed, close their eyes, and fall into it, feeling the warmth and comfort imagining it is a hug from God. I have tried this, and it is an amazing experience that left me in tears. Something as simple as slowing down long enough to feel the Lord legitimately holding me in His hand through this crazy journey is one of the best feelings ever.
Not only are the daycare babies excited for their parents to be there, then they get even more excited to get all buckled in the car and begin the journey home. I am excited to be buckled in the car of my Heavenly Father, on the bumpy, curvy, sometimes scary journey to my Forever Home with the Lord driving the whole way reminding me that He has got me safe and is leading me every step of the way.
“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty. My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord.” Psalm 84:1-2.
His presence is lovely. Let’s remember to run into His strong and mighty embrace, regardless of our circumstances. Let’s follow His call to be like little children and come into His presence yearning for Him to take care of us. He is waiting with open arms.
Kristie Brothers
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#kristiebrothersblogs
