In Him I find my strength. Paul expresses this in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he (the Lord) said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' " When I lose my own strength due to some physical, mental, or emotional weakness, I depend more on God's strength. This is much like a child tiring when walking, getting picked up by her father, and then depending on his legs to carry her. His legs were always stronger.
God also provides my security, so I can rest in his love and provision. Jeremiah 31:3 speaks of this love,"...I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." And Psalm 15:5-6 assures us of our security in Him, "Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."
Too many people miss out on the peace, joy, strength, and security that come from remaining locked in to their relationship with God. They operate more like a child's snap link bead, popping in or pulling apart at will, depending upon whether they are feeling confident in their own ability to handle life at the moment are hitting against something so rough that it knocks them to their proverbial knees out of desperation.
I am not superior because I have learned to connect to God in a locked link fashion, just more at peace. Perhaps snap link people have been deceived into believing that they are bothering God if they connect too often. Perhaps there's an underlying fear of being rejected. Or perhaps there is a struggle with pride due to our society's "pick yourself up by your own bootstraps" mentality.
We were, however, created in God's image and designed for relationship--with each other and with our creator. God doesn't need us, but he wants us--that's why he created us, why he sent his only son to die for us, and why so many verses in the Word refer to relationship--father, brother, friend, comforter, counselor, teacher, Emmanuel, and so on.
Periodically we all need to stop and reflect on my initial question, "How's your God connection?" Have I snapped/disconnected? Do I have a screw loose with a unsecured connection?" Or am I fastened firmly, interlocked in an unbreakable bond to my Lord? Maybe you will want to click on the link below for the song that this image to me--Hillsong's "Open Arms" --and take some time to reflect and connect.
In God's providence, I wrote this and had it ready a few weeks ago, not knowing it would come at the end of a long week following the passing of my father-in-law, Papaw. It was good to reread before posting this today. So glad that in God's grace I am securely linked to Him.
Hillsong United - Arms Open Wide - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnQPfWlCP_Y