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. Completely 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 quietly lowered the corner of His newspaper and peered over it to watch me. He smiled while watching every move and listening to every word I said. I didn’t even realize how tenderly He studied me as I played. Although He didn’t say a word, the living room was saturated 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 that danger of any kind could be near as I played on the floor in front of Him. The perfect love of the Father pushed away all fear.
Imagine how He felt as He watched Mary birthing His Son Jesus on that holy night so many years ago! Imagine the thrill He sensed as the magi approached with their finest gifts to honor the King of kings! Imagine the joyful song He must have sung as He watched the mighty Savior of the world cooing and snuggling up to His mother’s breast!
His plan was working! The Hope of the World was cooing and burping and crying just like every other baby, but no other baby could ever be fully God and fully man. This baby had two distinct natures—He was God, yet He was a man. Each nature was fully complete. No other baby was like this, and oh, how the Father’s heart must have swelled in love and delight!
He will take delight in YOU with gladness! 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—deeply, intimately, unconditionally, and 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).
Every time we turn toward God--whether at the moment of salvation, or in a time of daily devotion, or during great need--we are turning away from the things that discolor our hearts and distance us from Him. His heart swells with the same love for YOU as He feels toward Jesus. Amazing love. That love is all you need.
© 2022, Chris Werre
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