In my walk as a Christian for many years, one of the biggest surprises to me is how consistent God is at surprising me when I feel the most need for Him. It often happens when I’ve exhausted all my options and I’m feeling discouraged. As I sing and pray (which is not my natural inclination) God arrives with joy, comfort, wisdom, and hope.

The sense of dread is replaced by a feeling of security and peace. This is not my doing. I have no hand in this other than to cry out, to turn my attention toward, to ask for help.

In the midst of suffering, it’s easy to question if God will answer yet again. 

What causes my sense of dread that God is a distant father? 

Having a deeply loving earthly father brings me back to the reminder, I can fully trust the love of my Heavenly Father. Dad was an incredible father. How much more so is God to each of us?

Loving us, holding, healing, protecting, delivering, listening, directing, and loving with a perfect love that casts out fear.

Joy fills my soul at these thoughts.