How Deep the Father's Love For Us

I recently had a conversation with my six year old about frequent headaches and stomach aches he was experiencing. I was concerned enough to consider calling the doctor, but not altogether convinced that this was a physical problem. So we went to his room for a private conversation, free from distractions of TV and siblings. We discovered that the frequency of pain was directly proportionate to the number of conflicts he was experiencing. When he was corrected for misbehaving, for instance, a belly ache was the result.  When the siblings and he were in a conflict, he began to have pains in his legs or a headache. So stress was the culprit. I had a hunch. We decided that when things got too stressful for Jayden, that he would pull me aside and ask for a private talk. This way we could solve the problem before it became too painful for him.

I believe that God wants the same from his children. Oftentimes we endure pain from our trials because we fail to go to him first. He loves intimate conversation with us. He wants to calm our fears and ease our pain. When circumstances beyond our control erupt, he wants us to run to Him for comfort, not writhe in pain alone. Believe Him when he says “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 God is approachable! Hebrews 4:16  says, “ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”  We can enter his presence without fear and trembling, unlike the high priests of the old covenant. We do not need to bring a sacrifice to enter his presence. Jesus paid it all.

 Growing up, I did not have the understanding of an approachable God. He was vague and mysterious. But I now know that yes, he is huge and yes there is a mystery of His ways. But He is not an enigma that is unreachable. He desires a connection with us.

·         He is our father.  “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”  - John 1:12-13
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”  - Romans 8:15



·         He loves us. The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing - Zephaniah 3:17 



·         He does not desire us to be in pain. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds - Psalm 141:3. But He knows in this fallen world we will experience pain, so we have hope in these words. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us -  Romans 8:18

 How do you approach your heavenly father when you are suffering pain? Do you trust Him to work things out? Do you believe He can simplify things and make sense of your chaos? There are many ways to come to Him for private talks. Open the Word. Allow Him to speak to you through scripture. Pray. Ask Him to come into your situation and give you peace. Just as I want to keep my children pain free, He desires for us to have peace and joy in our days.

I urge you to seek Him every morning. Free yourself from the daily distractions and have that alone time with Him.  I beg you to trust Him in your pain, in your hurts and in your suffering. He is present in it all. His love will sustain you. I know this to be true!

Prayer: Father, Abba Father, How I love you and praise you for the gift of your son. Thank you that we may have eternal life through Him. Thank you for loving me and giving me comfort in times of pain and suffering. It is all for my good and your glory . Bless the trials, that they refine me and bring me closer to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen