God is Not a Lazy Boy Father

The other day when I got off work, I stopped by Target to do some shopping. I was surprised to see a man who works for my same employer in the children's section of the store. I knew how hard the man had worked that day. He was weary from his labor, yet regardless of his personal needs, he was carefully examining the Hot Wheels toy cars.
 
I didn't have to guess what the man was doing at Target that evening. He is always talking about his kids. I often hear him telling stories about them in the hallways at our office. He pulls pictures out of his jacket pockets to show off his boy and girl as he shares. It was apparent that after faithfully working for his family all day long, he was at the store shopping for a toy to take home to his son that night. I smiled as I pushed my red buggy down the aisle and thought about what a good dad he is to his children.
 
Then it occurred to me that God, our heavenly father is just like that. He is ever mindful of us. Always loving us. Continually looking for ways to bless His children. He doesn't get off work from being God 9-5, clock out, and slump into a Lazy Boy chair to soothe his aching back. He is not surfing cable and trying to get his mind off the stress of the day and off us. No way! There is nothing lethargic about our God. He never becomes tired of providing for His children and delighting in us. 
 
Psalm 121:3-4 says, "He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps." (NLT) Genesis 28:15 also encourages, "I am with you and will keep (watch over you with care, take notice of) you wherever you may go." (AMP)
 
God is always taking notice of you. Pick any hour of the day (morning, noon, or night) and God is there. He is ever faithful.
 
So many times in my own personal worship, I’ll lift my hands and say these words: “Lord, I call you faithful. You are my faithful God.” It's easy for me to say these things because I understand that God is committed to me. To be faithful is to be true, loyal, devoted, and trustworthy. Of course, God already knows his attributes, but when we open our mouths and speak out His praise, it stirs all of Heaven to action. The angels get ready to work on our behalf. Praise changes the atmosphere around our lives. It pushes back the darkness of despair and allows the light of joy to stream into our souls.
 
Whatever you are going through today, you are not alone. God is your faithful Abba (Hebrew meaning father). He cares not only about what you need, but also about your dreams and desires.
 
Luke 11:11-13 says, "If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (NKJV)
 
Just like the dad at Target who carefully selected the right toy for his son, God searches out the very best gifts to bless your life. When you smile, it makes His day. So let's lift our smiles up to our heavenly Father right now and take a few moments to praise Him for the gift of his Holy Spirit and his faithful love.

~ Jackie O.