Wednesday, October 1, 2008

A Soft Spot for God


I read a discussion recently in which Christians were describing how the kind of parents they had as children influenced their view of God. In all honesty, I can't remember a day when I didn't have a soft spot for God; and moreover, I don't remember not knowing that He had a soft spot for me. My view of the Lord has always been one of love. But, the funny thing is, I don't think I've ever felt it was the kind of love that I've known from my fellow humans. Even as a youngster, I knew His love was special in His acknowledgment and care for me.

I used to be afraid of the dark. One of the ways I could get myself to relax and rest was to pretend I was lying back into the strong arms of God. I would fluff up my pillow as high as it would go, start talking to God, and let myself fall back into the softness of the pillow, all the while imagining that He was catching me and holding me close.

When I read this...

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore. (Psalms 121)


...my heart is at rest.

"Thank you, Lord, for keeping me close to You. Thank you for always letting me feel Your love. Thank You for giving me peace and rest and hope in You. Thank you for giving me a soft spot in my heart for You ...and You a soft spot in Your heart for me."


5 comments:

LauraLee Shaw said...

Hi Dee, I do believe that for many people their view of God is directly related to their parents. I've met many of these people. But for those who have been given the spiritual gift of faith, they are able to see past it, knowing that God in heaven is far superior to any relationship, person or thing on this earth. I, like you, was able to see God in that way, even though my earthly father was abusive and horrible. I've known others that take awhile to see God as loving after being abused, but eventually they do if they keep seeking. I'm so thankful for the extra faith God gave me at a very young age to get through and feel loved through all the hardship.

Incredible post. I love your heart.

Joanne Sher said...

Dee, this is so beautiful. I LOVE your ever view of God's love. I did not have it as a child, but I am certainly developing it now. Just a beautiful post.

Laury said...

Oh my, these posts are making me cry today (and I'm at school) I can just see you fluffing up your pillow. What a picture:) Thank you for sharing Psalm 121. I needed to read it for sure today.

Love you so! Praying you have a great day, my friend!

Tracy said...

Beautiful post. Thank you for sharing this amazing Scripture of comfort. Blessings!

Yvonne Blake said...

what a beautiful picture!
My little daughter told me that once when she was sad, she asked God to pick her up....and He did!
I can just see you flopping back into 'God's arms'.