Like a Child

      I have been feeling so overwhelmed, busy, and scatterbrained lately. I lost BSF and therefore feel like I lost a bit of my anchor and have been blowing in the wind. BSF kept me in the Word on a daily basis and I haven't been very good at keeping myself in it on my own. I can definitely feel the difference. Anxiety and anger crept back in.

      I think its good to step back and see how a child handles things sometimes. Obviously, we shouldn't throw tantrums as adults, though some adults do unfortunately, but what does a small child do when they are feeling scared, lost, or insecure? They run to the embrace of their parents. There is a good lesson there. We have a Heavenly Father that is always there for us, forever accessible and ready for us with outstretched arms.

      I recently saw a message given by Max Lucado in which he talks about our Father and how He is referred to as our Abba Father. This is an endearment which translates closely to "Daddy" or "Papa". God is not just our Creator and Lord, He is our Papa. That is the relationship He most desires with us. In his message Max says "If you really want to make God smile call him Abba".

     Since watching that message I have begun calling Him Abba in my prayers and when I just talk to Him. One night very recently, I was feeling so weighed down and distant. I was tired body and soul, our son was having issues getting to sleep and wanted me to come lay with him and I usually resist this because I want him sleeping independently but this time I decided I would acquiesce. I used the quiet time snuggled up to my little boy to talk with God and realized that what my son was looking for in me, I needed to go to my Abba Father for as well. I needed to stop shouldering all of my burdens and remember that I am not alone. So as I held my son I asked Jesus to please hold me. I told Him how tired I was and asked "Abba please hold me, be my comforter, I just need to lay in your embrace for a while". I have found that anytime I refer to Him as my Abba I feel tears welling up. I attribute this to an upwelling of the Holy Spirit within me and I imagine that those tears indicate His presence and His approval. I felt so at peace after that talk, so loved.

     So remember during this busy time that you always have a Heavenly Dad who loves you and wants you to come to Him with your burdens. He wants to hold you and protect you. If you believe, you are His child.

- Jesus called a little child to them and put the child among them, Then He said "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get in to the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea." - Matthew 18:2-6

- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30