The Tender Side of God:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!”-Matthew 23:37 (NKJV)
Have you every observed a mom and dad with their baby or young child? You’ve probably noticed that they are playing with their child by tickling, swaying back and forth, or entertaining their little one. Imagine the depth of love a loving parent has for his or her child and how much that parent wants to express his or her deep love. Well God is like that at a much greater level than any earthly parent. His love is so deep, vast, unwavering, and faithful.
Many people are suffering today from anxiety, PTSD, depression, or other health problems because of their childhood experiences. Some have never let go of the painful memories of how their parents or legal guardian mistreated, ignored, molested, or rejected them.
God wants to be a parent to you; not one who criticizes you or demeans you but One who will love you, protect you, and tenderly care for you. He wants to hide you in His secret place of protection so that no spiritual, emotional, or physical harm can come near you. He yearns to be close to you and I, to share things with us that we need to know about Him and ourselves, as well as give us direction for our lives. He enjoys it when we commune with Him as we sing to Him, talk and listen to Him, pray to Him, and read His Word.
God is the perfect parent you’ve been missing and longing for your whole life. He wants to not only make you feel better when you’re bruised but He wants to heal those deep roots of hurt, bitterness, fear, and distrust that stemmed from your childhood or later in life. Allow Him to show you His tender side. Please pray the following prayer out loud:
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus and give you the care of the painful memories of my past that have caused me to feel rejected and hurt. I receive my healing and believe that You love me and want to adopt me as Your child. I give You my life and I believe You are a good Father and will love and care for me. Thank You for being a good example of what a parent should be and teach me how to be a good parent to my children in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Scripture reading: Matthew 23:37-38; Luke 13:34; Romans 8:14-17