God Initiates

“O Lord, You have searched me and known me” (Psalm 139:1 NKJV). One of God’s attributes that I greatly appreciate is that He pursues us; He is ever attentive to our hearts and thoughts; He understands us completely; He wants us; He woos us: “The Lord has appeared to me of old saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.’” (Jer. 31:3 NKJV) “I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck.” (Hos. 11:4 NKJV) “You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (John 15:16 NKJV). I know that I would have never initiated a relationship with Jesus; I didn’t trust that He’d give me a happy life, and I was too concerned with being popular with my peers. But He sent Christians to me, put the fear of hell in me so that I would at least think about Him, and then He convinced me that He really did care about little old ordinary me and my well-being. My salvation was all His idea; I merely responded to His loving call. Lord, thank You so much that You draw us with your love. Thank You that You have searched us and known us, and that You understand us completely. We praise You that You are with us every minute, giving us Your loving and undivided attention. No matter where we are, Your hand leads us and holds us (see Psalm 139:9-10). We love You.

The Lord's Compassion

Shortly after breakfast at the school cafeteria where I work, I heard small sounds of distress. I turned to look, and there was Taylor, a kindergartener, struggling to put on her hoodie. All the other children had left the cafeteria and it was time to get to class. I turned her sleeve right side out, and she was on her way. I was left wondering how a small child gets left behind like that. I’m not blaming anyone; it was surely an unintentional oversight. But what is wrong with a world where you either march in step or you’re left all alone? The world is full of bosses, cops, teachers, even pastors who tell us when we don’t measure up, right at the moment when we most need a word of encouragement. One time I backed into a car and left a twelve-inch scratch. That cost us $500. I felt so bad. We all mess up; it shouldn’t be so painful to be imperfect. Part of this is from the wrath of those who suffer from our goof-ups. We need to learn to give each other a break. The other part is that we really don’t believe that God cares enough to work it all out for good, like He promised. He is a kind-hearted God; He does care, very much. He was watching out for little Taylor—He sent me to help. His children are the apple of His eye, and He is ever-present to comfort, encourage, turn messes into blessings. “Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust” (Psalm 103:13-14 NASB).