So yesterday, two of my cousins just randomly came over to our house, walked in, and made themselves at home. They ended up staying for supper (since we were making supper when they arrived) before going back.
And now I’m comparing that to how we should be with God.
Just “walking in” and making ourselves comfortable. Not really there for a specific reason, just wanting to hang out. Simply talking with Him, relishing in His presence.
That brings to mind another incident.
A father was sitting ahead of me in church, his little boy on his lap. The little boy was looking up at his dad, sometimes patting his face, giggling and having a good time. The man was smiling, his arms around his child. And as I watched them loving on each other, I realized that’s what Jesus must have meant when He said to be as little children (Matthew 18:3).
Sitting on our Daddy’s lap. Looking at Him. Laughing. Content and so thrilled about just being with Him.
And He’s watching us. Smiling. His arms wrapped around us so we don’t fall, warming us with His love. Delighting in our delight.
And neither one of us is worried who’s noticing us. Neither one cares what others might think or say or do. We’re focused on each other, loving on each other.
I think of God as a Father a lot. Maybe because I have a good dad, and I understand the relationship/love between a father and child. Maybe because I desire for others who don’t have a good dad–or have a dad at all–to come to know God as their Father, a Father who will never let them down or leave or stop loving them or hurt them. Maybe because it amazes me that I–a low-down, wretched, bound-for-hell sinner–can call God–Almighty Maker of the universe, Champion, Savior–Father.
But I don’t want to just view Him as Father. Yes, He is, but He’s also so much more. And more than that, I’m His child. I have the privilege and the opportunity and the wonderful blessing. . . and the responsibility.
See, relationships take work from both parties. Both have to take time and love and reach out and pray and change and be there and-and just work!
God’s my Father, yes, and He will love me and take care of me and relish every moment I spend with Him and on and on. But I have to spend time with Him. I have to stop running around, and quietly sit on His lap. I have to look at Him and block out the world around me, not caring what others might think or say or do. I have to let Him hold me. I have to just “walk in” and make myself comfortable, knowing that He won’t mind, that I’m welcome and accepted, that with Him is my “second home,” that it’s okay if I don’t have a particular reason for wanting to be with Him other than simply wanting to hang out.
The King of the Universe is my Father. And I am His beloved child.
The only person who dares wake up a king at 3:00 AM for a glass of water is a child.
Tim Keller
We have that kind of access.
