As a baby, we have been taught that our parents will initially be there to catch us when we fall. Some, while teaching us to walk, catch us, even before we fall. We never feel the thud of hitting our cushioned bottom on the ground.
Once we get the hang of walking, we no longer NEED our parents to put their arms around us to steady our walk because we have matured. We just don't need this guidance from them any longer.
As a Christian, I think that is how some of us feel about our Heavenly Father. I'm good, I got it, I'm FINE...We do things on our own.
God did not intend for us to go through life without his hands being wrapped around us to "steady our walk".
Psalm 102:1-7
Hear my prayer, Lord;
Let my cry for help come to you.
Do not hide your face from me
When I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me;
When I call, answer me quickly.
For my days vanish like smoke;
My bones burn like glowing embers.
My heart is blighted and withered like grass;
I forget to eat my food.
In my distress I groan aloud
And am reduced to skin and bones.
I am like a desert owl,
Like an owl among the ruins.
I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.
In these verses, we plead with God to hear us. Don't turn his back on us, we need Him NOW! We are in pain, we need an answer or we are in trouble.
The thing is. God is right here beside us in all we do. With his hands out to the side of us. It is us that have turned our backs on him, not NEEDING and LEANING on him everyday. That is how His love works.
Sometimes, when we are being stubborn, we might stumble and fall.. Guess what, he is teaching us to grab ahold of him. Not to do it OUR WAY, but to learn to do it His way with Him by your side.
How can we be impatient with Him? How can we demand an answer, or a healing, or to get us out of trouble? If THAT is the ONLY time we talk to him.
I think of it as that so called friend that only talks to you when they need something. Never there for you, unappreciative of the kindness and forgiveness you show to them. Yet you never see them until the next time they need something. It makes you want to tell them NO! Right?! Or am I the only one?
What if God treated us that way, and he just said NO. Gave up on us, didn't want to help us. Makes you think, huh? How do I treat God? Am I just using him? Am I demanding things from him, then lose faith when they don't go my way?
God doesn't give up on us, God LOVES us UNCONDITIONALLY! But it's in his time.
We may have to have a little BooBoo to let us see WE ARE NOT IN CONTROL. He is. He hears our every utterance, every word, every thought. He is ALWAYS with us, even through the hard times. You have to ask for HIS help, lean on him, grab him and don't let him go. Talk to him because, he's got you!
Sheila Dorris is the adoptive mother of three (now) adult children and is now enjoying being an empty nester. Sheila shares co-ownership of Mojo Merchandise, in downtown Sand Springs, with her best friend. Sheila has served and continues to serve in many areas at Church that Matters. Including: House Church, KTM, Access, Guest Services, and on the production team as a Live Stream Host. Sheila is famous for her sermon notes, taken each week as a guide for others on Facebook. This often starts conversations between those who may have questions about church or may just need to hear the sermon. She loves being silly and making people smile. If you see her, stop her and say "Hello".
Photo by Cristina Gottardi on Unsplash