My grandma had eight children. She was German Catholic, lived during the Great Depression, and could stretch a pound of beef like it was nobody’s business. I didn’t see her often as I grew up because she lived far away, but when I did see her at Christmas, she would hug me so fiercely and tightly I thought my eyeballs would pop out!
I always prepared for this greeting a bit timidly: Did I want to be squeezed that hard? (No.) Did I secretly like the attention? (Yes.) Now that she’s in heaven, I wish I had never held back. I wish I had run into her arms with full trust and abandon, not caring if my cheeks got pinched or my rib cage squenched. In fact, I wish I had always approached God that way too.
Sometimes we approach our heavenly Father apprehensively, wondering if His love is real, whether we deserve it, OR if we even want it! But I assure you…His love is real and we do deserve it. He wants to see you and squeeze you every single day! Will you let Him?
God’s arms are big enough to hold you, your children, and your children’s children (Isaiah 43:5-6). He will search for and gather up every last descendant, just as a shepherd would his lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14).
If you don’t believe God is waiting and desiring to be close to you today, spend some time reading Isaiah 43. Highlight any words that describe God’s character. Then ask yourself if you truly believe this to be true. If you do, proclaim it boldly! If you don’t, ask Him to help you find the obstruction in your life that is inhibiting your ability to believe. Sometimes it’s a family of origin issue, or a lie we’ve partnered with somewhere along the way. Whatever the case, invite Him into your heart today and let Him gather you up, just as your dear old grandma would.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Dr. Gary Chapman established the “Five Love Languages” which are: Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Gifts. Which are your top two?
- What is your husband’s or kids’ love languages? Is it easy or hard for you to love them in the way that they need?
- Do you think God knows what your love language is? What is an example of how He has showed His love for you in this way?
- What might be standing in the way of you fully receiving God’s love today?
Jonna Meidal is a mother to three wild and zany daughters and a wife to the funniest man on the planet. She is a writer, educator, birth doula, and travel junkie who can’t get through the day without Jesus and popcorn. You can read more of what she’s been up to at jonnameidal.com or follow her adventures on Instagram @jonnameidal.