To Be Held

When I was a kid, my father was in the navy; Sometimes he would be gone a long time, and I will never forget the excitement I felt when my mom would tell me he was coming home.

I was a daddy's girl through and through-- when he would finally come home I would run and jump into his arms for a hug big enough to fill up all the time he was gone.

Fast forward 20 years…

Just this morning I was in the kitchen cleaning up breakfast dishes when my 2 year old munchkin runs in and throws his arms up to me. He wants to be held.

---

Even though I have things to do, I can't resist that face, that composure. In my arms he smiles that toothy grin and grabs my neck for a big squeeze.

Every tantrum, every moment when I feel helpless, and out of control, and overwhelmed, this moment makes it all worth it. I love my son, I delight in my son!


But oh, how much more deep is the Father's love…

Just as, I'm sure of, my dad's excitement for coming home,

And our anticipation for him coming home,

And all of the love and delight I feel for my own son--

All of that love and excitement for each other is nothing compared to the love God has for us.
 

In Zephaniah 3:17 God says, "For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."

Every moment of everyday God is right there, just waiting for us to run to Him- arms held high. He is never too busy, or too tired, or too upset to pick up His children.

In His presence there is peace to overcome our anxieties. In His presence He sings over us, drying our tears and calming our fears with His unfailing love. In His presence there is grace and hope to make it through the day. And I don't know about you, but there's no place I would rather be.

No matter what kind of relationship you had with your earthly Father, know this- your Heavenly Father loves you, He delights in you, He is excited about you, and He wants to hold you.

Just as I would never refuse my son- arms thrown up, toothy grin and all- God will never refuse us.

Run to Him today. Let Him calm your soul and comfort your fears. Rest in His embrace…just be held.


WORD OF THE DAY:
“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17


PRAYER:
Father, Right now I throw my hands up to you- hold me- calm my fears and envelop me in your love. Help me to remember I can always return to you any time I am in need and you will never turn me away. Thank you for your incomprehensible love. In Your Name, Amen.

Author: Kim Crowe