I NEED A HUG
24th Apr 2013
A friend of mine would often say this to Jesus! What she meant was, “Please assure me You care.” “Let me feel You are near.” I need to know the reality of Your acceptance, Your comfort to calm me down and take away the fear that tries to overwhelm me. I don’t know what I need to do - so please tangibly come near? Please give me a hug - a reassurance of Your presence?
Jesus always responds to such a heart cry and gives Himself. He promises over and over again that He will never leave you. He tells Moses, “My presence will go with you.” (Exodus 33:14) He reassures Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or terrified...., for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) Paul reminds the new believers in Corinth, that the God who got them started on this spiritual adventure, will never give up on them. (1 Corinthians 1:8-9)
What do you need today? Is it reassurance that you are forgiven, that the past is the past? Is it a renewed sense of His presence and favour? Is it strength for what you have to face? understanding? comfort? wisdom?
You are not alone - what you need is found in Jesus. Tell Him you need Him, and let Him overwhelm you with His love and presence. You were not designed to stand alone - you need relationship with God, through Jesus, and with others. Sometimes we don’t even know what we need, but God does. Perhaps you need a ‘hug’ today from your heavenly Father, and as He holds you, all He is will begin to flow into you, satisfying the deepest need you have.
Mark 1:40 tells of a leper who was desperately alone, isolated by his disease and needing to be touched and transformed in every part of his being. He asked if Jesus was willing to heal him. The answer he received is still ringing out today, “I am willing, be made whole.”
“His touch has still its ancient power” - Ask Him to touch you today.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
