I had a picture in my mind’s eye about the Father God’s great love. The setting was a living room, and the Father was sitting in an easy chair, reading a newspaper. I was a child playing with some dolls on the floor in front of Him. I was utterly absorbed in play, making my dolls talk and carry on busily with doll life in their imaginary home on the living room floor. I was oblivious to anyone else being in the room or paying attention to me.
Just then, the Father lowered the corner of His newspaper quietly and peered over it to watch me. He smiled as He watched every move I made and heard every word I said. I didn’t even realize how tenderly He was watching over me, even as I played! He didn’t say a word but saturated the living room with an overwhelming sense of His unconditional, all-accepting love.
As He peered over the newspaper, I felt His delight in watching one of His kids. I think I heard Him humming! 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 NLT). His great love made me feel so safe; it never even occurred to me as I played on the floor in front of Him that danger of any kind could be near. The perfect love of the Father pushed away all fear. There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear... 1 John 4:18 NASB.
Maybe you’ve never known a father’s love or care. Perhaps you never had a close relationship with your earthly father. Know this: Father God cares for you—intensely, intimately, unconditionally—and He tenderly watches over you. What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it — we're called children of God! (1 John 3:1 MSG).
© 2022, Chris Werre
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