Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…
“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.’”
So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.”
Luke 15: 17-20 (NLT)
I heard a story recently about an elder child of wonderful parents, who had lived a life inconsistent with the way he was raised, and he had drifted away from his parents and his family.
But then, like the son in the scripture above, the child came to his senses, and began the journey home, calling the parents and leaving a message to warn them of his return, while not at all sure whether he would be welcomed home or not.
As he approached the family home with darkness descending—he turned the corner onto the street they lived on, saw the house—with the front porch light on and burning brightly—welcoming him home.
I have the privilege of praying with, and for people every day. It is a humbling experience and privilege. One of the prayer requests God pokes me with, is to remind those I pray with that when they feel alone, they are not alone.
And we pray and ask that God would remind them He is there, and ask Him to do what He does to assure them of His presence.
Maybe to send a sunset or a sunrise reminding them God is actively at work for them. That He is there.
Maybe, to blow a gentle breeze through their hair.
Or send someone with a kind word, a phone call, or an arm to put around their shoulder.
Perhaps to help them recall a time when they weren’t sure they could get through the day, and then God faithfully brought them through.
Something or someone to remind them they are never alone—that God is there. And that the light is always on for them.
What about you. And me.
Maybe we also need a reminder, that when the day is tough, God’s still there. When others seem to have left you, God’s still there.
That we are not alone.
Or at times, when friends you thought were friends, no longer stand with you or for you.
God is there.
When the losses keep coming, and there seems to be no end in sight. He is there, with the assurance of victory with Him today, and for all eternity.
When the income slows down and the obligations seem to speed up.
He is there.
When family who should have always been there, and who you thought you could always count on, isn’t there at times. He is there for you.
Always there to count on.
And in those times when you can’t see your next step, and you begin to feel like there is nowhere that you belong.
God is there, with you.
You belong to Him. That’s where you belong. Always.
So you can be at peace, because He’s with you, and you are His.
God’s got you.
The light is always on—for you. And, for me.
In His Name–Scott
