So Come

Last week, my 14-month-old granddaughter came for a visit. I loved every minute with her. When everyone left, I have to confess, I could not bring myself to clean off the fingerprints all over the sliding glass doors. Every time I saw them, I smiled and, in my mind's eye, saw her standing there all over again.

One of the things I love about being with my granddaughter is the deep level of trust she has in me. When something was wrong, she would immediately turn to me to fix it. When we were outside and an ambulance and fire truck came by with sirens blaring, she quickly moved into my arms for refuge. Once she was there, the noise didn’t phase her. If she couldn’t remove a lid or get a toy to work, she would stretch out her hand, give it to me, and wait for me to return it to her.

When she was hungry or thirsty, she looked to me, and I was happy to give her everything she needed and more. She would find things that interested her and immediately share them with me. Her joy was mine as she brought me into her world again and again.

As she kept turning to me, I kept thinking of how God invites us to turn to Him—an old hymn, How Firm a Foundation, played over and over in my mind.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent Word.

What more can He say than to you He hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled.

I began to wonder how quickly I turn to the Lord when something is wrong…

• when I’m afraid…

• when things aren’t working out…

• when I need something…

• when I’m finding joy in life…

• Or when I’m in the middle of the mundane…?

Written on my prayer card since January for my heart right now is, Help me Father to come to you quicker; not to wait, but for you to be my first go-to. Last week, my granddaughter showed me again and again what that looks like. As the caregiver, provider, protector, and refuge, I found my joy unmatched! I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. I was constantly wondering what else she would find delight in. What will she need next? And I couldn’t wait to be with her as she discovered or needed something else. I couldn’t wait to give to her!

If I, being a broken, fallen human being, found joy in loving her and meeting her needs, how much more is that true of our Heavenly Father?

Matthew 6:8 tells us our Father knows what we need before we ask Him.

Luke 12:32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

We often think God is like us- easily annoyed, tired, out of resources, and just plain stingy with them, but that is not the God of the Bible. Our God is good, gracious, generous, great, and glorious just to start with! When we come again and again, even with the same issue, He welcomes us with open arms and a smile. And He invites us to come any time about anything.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Matthew 11: 28 Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Isaiah 55:1 Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without price.

That the God of the universe would invite me to come and lavishly receive from Him is almost more than I can comprehend; and yet we find Him telling us to do that again and again.

Last week, my granddaughter didn't hesitate. She didn't try to handle the sirens first and come to me when she'd calmed down. She didn't struggle with the lid until her hands hurt before finally giving up. She just... turned. Immediately, instinctively, trustingly. And every single time she did, I was there — arms open, more than ready.

That's the picture. That's the invitation.

What are your sirens today? What lid won't budge? What are you carrying into this week that you haven't yet stretched out your hand and given to Him? He already knows — Matthew 6:8 tells us He knows what we need before we ask — but He wants us to come. Not because He needs the information, but because He wants the relationship.

The hymn writer had a strong word for us. For refuge to Jesus have fled. Not walked. Not arrived all put together. Fled. He wants us to run to Him in the middle of an ordinary Tuesday. There is no moment too small, no need too trivial, no fear too irrational. He is not easily annoyed. He is not out of resources. He is watching and waiting on us— wondering what we'll bring Him next, and He cannot wait to give to His children.

So come.

Jesus holds. He always holds. Run to Him.