YHVH is...

November 22, 2017 3 Comments

     Shalom!  As I bring this blog to you today, it is with somewhat of a heavy heart, because I must bring into remembrance of my dog, Pepper.

     A few years ago I had to make that very difficult decision, that many pet parents have to make; the decision to let our furry friend come to a natural end or choose to end their suffering. I made the decision to end my beloved Pepper's suffering and lay him to a much deserved rest.

     It was an extremely difficult decision. He was one of my best friends. 

    One of the things I miss most is the way he would show affection to me, not requiring or desiring anything more than to lick my face. He clearly let me know how much he loved me. 

     There were moments, I’m sure, that I was too busy doing something for him, whether washing his water bowl, or opening a can of dog food, in order to show my love for him.  Yes, there were times that I did not notice his affection towards me. 

      As I prepare for my annual sabbatical, I am reflecting upon this. It is not a far leap to relate the same imagery to our relationship with YHVH. How many times have we been so caught up in doing the work of the Kingdom that we failed to enjoy the fruits of that labor, especially when it came to taking a moment to receive the affection that our Father so longs to lavish upon us. 

      When was the last time you stopped to take a brief rest and start to feel that cool, refreshing wind of the spirit descend upon you; only to dismiss it, because you still had work to do?  We must be careful in our walk with YHVH as to not be so busy that we miss those beautiful times. Even in our times of prayer, we somehow get so caught up in praying to Him that we fail to receive from Him.

      Place yourself in His position. He provides for you. He comforts you. He defends you. He lifts you up. 

     Sometimes you feel just like a child and all you want to do is love on the Father simply because He is there. What if He said, “I don’t want your hug right now; I’m busy trying to show you how much I love you by doing something for you.” 

      When the children of Israel were enslaved by the Egyptians, Moses was sent to say, “Let my people go!”  YHVH’s intent was that His children could come away and worship him. 

     YHVH desired to receive the love of His children, and literally moved heaven and earth to make a way in the wilderness for them. Just so they could be in His presence, and take sanctuary in Him. 

     It would almost seem that YHVH, Himself, had a need to receive the love and worship of His children. In fact, He parted the Red Sea not only to show His mighty hand towards His children, but to also receive their embrace. The deliverance was an action to show His love to His children. 

     I believe His hope was to rest from His mighty work and to simply bask in the grateful love of His children. A love He so desires to receive.

      Take time today to stop from your “good work,” even if only for a brief moment, and receive the love that He desires to bestow upon you.  It is absolutely necessary that you allow Him to do so. 

     Chances are, He’s been trying to love on you for some time now, but your busyness has gotten in the way.  When you do, you will begin to understand your importance, you will begin to comprehend His gratitude, and, ultimately, you will learn how to simply receive when nothing more is required. 

      In conclusion, let Him love you and let Him embrace you. When you do, you will be refreshed and renewed. You will be able to accomplish that good work with much less strife.

     You will appreciate what it means to labor for Him, as a child of the Most High would, instead of as a hireling. Amen?

     Remember, YHVH is love. (1 Jn. 4:7-8)  Let’s not fail to receive the very essence of who He is by being so busy trying to earn what He desires so freely to give.

~ David

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