Deuteronomy 4:24 – For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. (ESV)

I have been busy, and I will be for quite a while yet, with a major renovation project. So, I get sucked in by the doing, focused on the job. Quiet times are fast and fleeting. Okay, so that also has to do with sleep deprivation and having a toddler! I know God understands, but I could still make more of an effort.

Last night, Zoë smiled, safe in her mother’s arms, and waved goodbye as I went out. On my return, she awoke and cried out to be comforted. This time my wife’s attentions were insufficient. Instead, she raised her cry to DEFCON 1 status, so I climbed the stairs to investigate. She stood holding the cot rail, apparently beside herself in agitation. As soon as I picked her up, put her on my shoulder and hugged her, she calmed down. She lay down flat into my cradled arms, smiled, closed her eyes, and went to sleep. Yes, she loves her mommy, but my heart nearly burst because she wanted a hug from me. Awww!

What she needed was the reassurance that I was back inside the house, to be there if it were necessary. She did not know that I had returned. She has been teething, and two more had arrived that afternoon, so she was still a little clingy. As a dad, I want to help all my daughters the best that I can.

Despite the lack of time I have spent in quiet with God lately, this event has challenged me once more to consider how God broods over His people. He desires that we cry out to Him. We do not mess with our Father’s love for His children, not unless we are prepared to reap the whirlwind.

That’s how much God loves us, even enough to die for us.

Prayer: Lord, we worship You. We cry out to You today: hear our prayer; have mercy on us. Take away our sin, and restore us into Your tender care. Lord, please hold us close, and grant us Your peace. We love you, Abba Father, Daddy. Amen.

Rod Marshall rmarshall@glos.ac.uk 
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England

Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca