A hug a day

“As a belt clings to a person’s waist, so I created Judah and Israel to cling to me,” says the Lord. “They were to be my people, my pride, my glory—an honor to my name. But they would not listen to me.

Jeremiah 13:11 (NLT)

As I read this verse this morning, what came to mind were the actions of a father and son. On Sunday morning, as a group of volunteers were praying before the church service, one of the kids came running in. He made no sound as he rushed to his father, grabbed him tight and climbed into a position where he could be held. The boy’s arms were wound tight around his father’s neck, his legs wrapped around his waist. The father held on to his son just as tightly. They remained that way for the duration of our prayer time.

I think that’s how God would love for us to be—as innocent children seeking safety and comfort in the arms of the protective Father. It is to the benefit of both parties. We receive our comfort and God receives His glory. But only if we cling to Him.

CLING: To adhere closely and firmly, in interest or affection; to stick to; to hold fast upon.

If you’re at all concerned that this promise was strictly for the Jews, don’t be. God addressed it just a few verses back.

“And if these nations quickly learn the ways of my people, and if they learn to swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives’ (just as they taught my people to swear by the name of Baal), then they will be given a place among my people.

Jeremiah 12:16 (NLT)

We’re good. Even long before Paul was sent out to reach the Gentiles, God made a way for all people to be able to come running to Him, to throw our arms around His waist, to hold on to Him, and be held by Him. He made a place in His embrace for all of us.

Studies show that the benefits of being embraced go far beyond that of a simple touch. In a physical sense, those who embrace others with regularity have stronger immune systems, lower stress levels, higher self-esteem, and are less likely to become depressed. A hug is an affirmation of love and, according to Stan Tatkin, PsyD, can have measurable neuro-biological consequences.

While a physical embrace with God may not be possible, I have no doubt that, the closer we are to Him, the more we cling to Him, the more we can also reap these benefits along with many others.

Do not forget that you are God’s child. You are His pride and His joy, set apart for His pleasure. And when we pursue him as the boy with his father, we bring honour and glory to His name. Embrace it. Embrace Him.

Have you hugged God yet today?

Daily Bible reading: Jeremiah 11-13, 1 Timothy 4

Anchor

Many people are adrift. These are the ones who are tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). The worst part of it is that they honestly, sincerely believe that they are on a set course. They have no course. They have no anchor to prevent them from drifting out to sea.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain…

Hebrews 6:19 (ESV)

Our hope, our anchor is in our covenant with God.

So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

Hebrews 6:17-18 (ESV)

In this stormy sea we call life, remember to hold on to your hope, your anchor, Jesus.

Daily Bible reading: Jeremiah 51-52, Hebrews 6

Hold on

If you live in the western world and have access to any media at all, you’ll know that tomorrow is a day that could, and probably will, change the world. As the United States heads into their presidential election, the rest of the world holds it’s breath.

There is a chance that, under the new administration, Christians will be persecuted and churches will be undermined by the very government they voted for.

I’m not here to tell you who I believe should be the next president of the United States or who you should vote for if you’re American. What I want to tell you today is to hold on.

…let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who is every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14b-16 (ESV)

No matter what happens tomorrow, I believe that we will all be in a time of need. But hold on, we have been promised grace and mercy to help us in that time!

Today, pray. Pray for the American elections that God would have is hand on both the delegates and voters alike. That the citizens of the United States would see reason and go to the voting booths with eyes wide open. Pray that people would not only vote, but vote being educated on whom they cast their ballots for. Above all, pray that God be glorified in a nation that has chosen to reject Him.

Daily Bible reading: Jeremiah 46-48, Hebrews 4