A few nights ago I was talking with a friend about some not-so-pleasant issues that someone close to her was dealing with. I was decorating the Christmas tree as we were chatting. When we decided to pray I sat down and absent mindedly began gathering handfuls of pine needles into a neat little pile (I didn’t want the vacuum cleaner to clog). Then I started thinking to myself, “I wonder if God knows the exact number of pine needles that were/are on this tree.” Hmm. Interesting thought. Jesus did say that our heavenly Father has numbered every hair on our head, so I guess it’s possible that He also knows how many pine needles are on each tree. Wow. What an awesome, amazing, and powerful God.
He created the world. He created us. He longs to spend time with us and bring us into union with Himself so He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth to redeem us from the weight of sin that has kept mankind frustrated, anxious, sorrowful, and oppressed. If we could only grasp this truth we wouldn’t wallow in self-pity or unbelief. We wouldn’t doubt His power to save us; we would never question His desire to be with us in good times and in bad.
Psalm 103:13-14 says, “Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.”
Our Heavenly Father longs to be with us in our time of need. He reminds us continually through His word to draw near to Him:
“Am I a God who is near,” declares the LORD, “And not a God far off? Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 23:24
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble; And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:9-10
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
Staring at those pine needles reminded me of my Creator and of His love for me. They reminded me that He came, He died, He rose, and He is coming again to take me to a place where no sorrow exists. Sounds silly, I know. But I thank God for moments such as that; moments of “divine revelation” that He is (“I AM WHO I AM” Exodus 3:14) and that He rewards those who seek Him.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalms 55:22
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
