You may have experience something like this one time or another with your child.  While sitting in a church service. your daughter leans next to you laying her head on your shoulder. After a few minutes, she returns to her sitting position. If you asked your daughter afterwards, she would most likely comment something to the fact that it feels good to lean against someone who loves you; to lean on someone that makes you feel loved, and loves you no matter what. When she does it, isn’t she really saying to you that she loves you and feels safe with you. Doesn’t it also make us smile because it’s the same feeling we have with God. It feels good to lean on Him.

As adults, most of us feel all grown up. However, if we are truly honest with ourselves, most of us would have to make a confession. We do not. Oh yes, we may be grown up physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. But spiritually is another story. We are kids still in awe of our Dad. He’s so big and strong that we feel so small and inadequate in his presence. Just like a child comparing himself with his parent. At times we may feel grown up like our parents, but deep inside we realize that they are a little older and more experienced than we are at the present moment. But isn’t it reassuring that we will grow up to become like them?

As a child finds comfort in knowing there is someone who loves her and will take care of her as she grows, we likewise find comfort with our heavenly Dad. When times become difficult, when the direction is difficult to choose, when the pain becomes unbearable, when friends are few, when the financial resources run scarce, it’s comforting to know we have a loving Dad who cares about us and is always available to be leaned against.

We can be sure that God feels good being leaned against. Just like it makes us feel good when our child leans against us. We can be sure that God enjoys a similar experience.  Just as we want to give our children the best of everything, including the best education and character development, we know that God wants to give the best to us. It’s very comforting to know that help is only one lean away.

OUR PRAYER

Our Great, Comforting and Dependable Dad, thank you for always being available when we need you. Though at times you seem so far removed, and sometimes like you don’t even know us, we have come to know that you are always present.

You give us reassurance when we most need it. You give us comfort when it hurts. You give us your shoulder to lean against when the load becomes too heavy. You give more than we ever request.

When you refrain from immediately answering our prayers as we desire, you still answer in a way that gives us comfort and peace that you are in control and everything will work out for the best.  All this is because of Jesus who we make this request through. Thank you. Thank you.  Amen.  Amen.