His soft hair brushing against my chin, the tiny bundle snuggled on my shoulder. Though I’m well past the baby stage with our own children, I so enjoy these tender times with friends’ babies. Even when they’re fussy, I enjoy the opportunity to nestle them close—especially when I can feel the tension leave their little bodies as they relax in slumber. At the same time, these precious moments encourage me to let go of everything that previously seemed foreboding or demanding.
This picture is a reflection of God’s nurturing care for us. Psalm 68:19 says, “Praise the Lord . . . for each day he carries us in his arms.” A warrior king, David captured this same idea when he compared his submission to the Lord as being like that of a young child leaning against his mother (Psalm 131:2). Perfect, peaceful surrender. It’s the kind of restful place we all desire, especially when the storms of life seem strong (Psalm 4:8).
When we get anxious about the future, we wonder how to exchange His yoke for ours (Matthew 11:29). Knowing He’s in control is not the same as living as if He is. In 1 John 4:17-18, we read, “As we live in God, our love grows more perfect” and “perfect love expels all fear.” So Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 becomes a powerful call to a strong but restful life, one where fear can’t prosper
The more we know His love, the greater we trust Him (1 John 4:16). When we understand that we’re safe, we come “boldly . . . into God’s presence” and live expecting God “to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Ephesians 3:12,20).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Kings 5:1-27
More:
Read Hosea 2:1-23 and consider the connection between love, trust, and obedience.
Next:
Although you’ve wanted God to carry your burdens, how have you remained independent of Him? What are some of the challenges you face in understanding His love for you?
Terrence Simon on April 25, 2014 at 7:53 am
Dear Regina,
Great thought for the Day!!!!
His love is greatest love I have ever seen in my life.
A love never expect anything in return from us.
A love that Blossom everyday!!!
Regina Franklin on April 27, 2014 at 9:38 pm
So very true, Terrence–“the greatest love” any of us will every see!
Tom Felten on April 25, 2014 at 8:40 am
So grateful for our loving, compassionate God, Regina. So often I claim the instruction from His Word to give my burdens to Him, for He will take care of us . . . He cares for all who call on Him (Psalm 55:22).
Regina Franklin on April 27, 2014 at 9:40 pm
Dear Tom–the Lord has really been bringing home the picture of a yoke as it refers to casting our cares on Him and taking His yoke upon us. Sometimes–even in ministry–I get too focused on the responsibility I feel in the tasks before me. He has been reminding me that when I live each day for Him, I am simply yoking up to Him to join Him in what He is already at work doing. It’s not up to me–it’s up to Him. I simply get to join in the joy of seeing Him work and move.
daisymarygoldr on April 25, 2014 at 8:17 pm
Wait till the baby wakes up and is hungry. Your arms will not be deemed comforting for the bawling bundle bursting with boundless energy 🙂
What are some of the challenges your friend’s baby would face in understanding your love for him? The baby will simply not trust you because you are not his mother.
So, what are some of the challenges you face in understanding His love for you? You will not trust God if you are not born of Him.
Ponder on this precious promise of God:
“Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you.” Isaiah 49:15
Those who belong to God enjoy the security of His love which is far superior to all human love. For, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” Psalms 27: 10