Circle of Love

A crash and a tumble are heard throughout my house.  Immediately after, the smallest munchkin comes screaming toward me needing some comfort.  I immediately put out my arms to hug him and offer a little momma-love.  He puts his head on my shoulder and calms to a sniffle.

He looks in my eyes with tears streaming down his face.  "It's like a circle, Mom."  My arms he means.  "Yeah, a circle of love".

What a clenching of the heart that boy can initiate.  He's right though.  It's amazing what a hug, a kind word, or a smile can do for us.  Calm our fears, soothe our hurts, dry our tears.  Sometimes those hugs come from our mommas or husbands.  Our sweet girlfriends or sisters.  A child can offer the tenderest of kid-love with their tiny arms squeezing your neck. 

Sometimes those hugs come in the form of a comment from a stranger in the check-out line at Target.  "What a blessing you are to those children! You are doing an amazing job as a mom."

Gulp. A huge lump lodges in my throat.  How did she know I needed an encouragement-hug? The Holy Spirit shows up in the most amazing places and faces.

Christ is like that too, you know.  Ever ready with His arms open; waiting to encircle each of us with a love greater than we've ever known.  His arms never tire of our hurts and fears.  His back never weakens under the strain of us and the baggage we carry.  His heart is never too full for one more burden or care.

Psalm 91:4 says "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart".

As believers, we have the awesome privilege to seek refuge and comfort in the covering of his wings.  The Creator of the Universe desires to shepherd us as His flock.  The Bible says in Isaiah 40:11 "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

His Word promises us that He will comfort us with His love.  Psalm 119:76 confirms this: "May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant."

Our need for Him increases the more we come to know Him.  If you don't yet know the Jesus who is the giver of peace that surpasses all understanding - NOW is the time! Turn your heart toward Him, duck under the cover of His wings and surrender it all to Him.  Then you will know the life-changing comfort His arms provide.

Let us all rejoice in His circle of love.

Have a beautiful, love-filled evening.
Niki