Being Father's Day, I figured a repost of of this reflection, I penned back in 2012 would be in order...
I came across this old pic of me in the arms of my dad. It says a great deal. The smile of a proud father looking at his first-born son. I wonder what was going through his mind that day. Was he contemplating what was lying ahead for this bundle of joy? Was he considering what was locked up within the heart of this little life? What would he become? Where would he be 36 (update: 44) years later?
What was I thinking? I certainly cannot remember, but one thing is certain-something testified to by that gummy grin on my face – I did not have a care in the world. I was in the safest place in the world – I was in dad’s arms! I was in the happiest place in the world – dad’s arms. I was in the “proudest” space ever – dad’s eyes. I was in the most loved place – dad’s heart.
Sure, life would happen; I would grow up and experience the good and bad that this life had to offer. I would fall and get hurt; tears would oftentimes replace that cute little smile, but the reality is, for that given space of time, nothing mattered, the world could bring what it would, but daddy had me in his arms, his heart and his eyes and nothing could harm me. In my little world, in that given space of time, I would have been safe and secure in dad’s love, pride and protection. Nothing and nobody would have been able to persuade me otherwise?
How true a reflection this is of our position as God’s children. There are moments in our lives when we are steadfastly assured of the Father’s love. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is smiling down on us, that we are safe and secure in His protection, that indeed nothing can separate us from His love.
Sadly, however there are times when circumstances arise which knock us about – our faith takes a bashing, our worlds get shaken. Suddenly, the voice of skepticism and doubt arise that leave one uncertain of being loved; one no longer feels the Father’s pride, nor senses that He is holding one securely.
Friend, is that where you find yourself? Let’s refocus for a moment. You see, what you ARE is not determined by what you FEEL. You may not always “FEEL” loved, but God’s Word assures you that you ARE: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
My prayer for you (and for myself) is that you will be as certain of your Heavenly Father’s love, protection and favor as I was that day 36 (update: 44) odd years ago in my dad’s arms. May you always know His smile upon your life, as I knew my own dad’s back then.
You are loved by the Father!
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