This summer, during our visit to Minnesota, Micah turned 14 months old and began walking. It was so much fun watching him toddle around. One afternoon we were outside with Grandma when a neighbor stopped by. Micah was a little ways away from me and I could tell he was nervous and unsure about what he should do. The few feet he had to cross over to me meant passing by the stranger and his little face filled with anguish. He looked to me and I held up my arms, his eyes lit up and he gave me a bright smile. The distress vanished. With his eyes locked with mine he stumbled into my embrace. Finally settled in the safety of my arms, he smiled at the neighbor.

So often we find ourselves in similar situations – we don’t know what to do or to whom to turn. Possibly we try a variety of people or books, but ALWAYS God is there for us, waiting to look to Him. His arms wide open. How long must we make him wait? The bond of trust I have with my son is incredible, but it didn’t happen overnight. Lots of late night feedings and hugs and kissing of boo-boos lead him to know he can trust me.

When I am in distress I wish I could say it is God to whom I first turn to, but, like all relationships, when I am not spending time with God, he is not the one I think of first. Often my husband or a close girlfriend is my go-to. Studying the Bible, it’s not a surprise to learn that even the Israelites had trouble turning to God first.

2 Chronicles 15:3-4  “For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest who taught correctly and without Moses’ Teachings. But when they were in trouble, they turned to the Lord God of Israel. When they searched for him, he let them find him.”

The Israelites had lost sight of God and had turned to false gods and priests who were not instructing them as God had intended. I am guilty of turning to friends and books before I turn to God. However, I’ve discovered the more time I set aside time to study the Bible, pray and do devotionals, the quicker I am to turn to God.

When I let the kids and house cleaning distract me from my time with God I find myself more often turning to friends, books and social media for help. It’s such a silly waste of time; ultimately it is God from whom my help comes from. I love this: “When they searched for him, he LET them find him.” God isn’t playing hide and seek with us. He is there waiting and as soon as we give up looking everywhere else he lets us find him. Dear sisters, let us stop looking for our answers in all the wrong places. Instead, let’s turn to our creator who loves us and will save us from all our doubt and free us from our anguish. He did not die for us so he can spend time with us someday. He died so he can get to know us today.

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for never hiding from me and for being so patient with me when I take my time turning to you. Help me to set aside time in my crazy kid-filled day to focus on you.

MOMENT of Truth:

Hebrews 12:2  “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Reflect and Respond:
It’s hard to find quiet time with babies, I would love a daily devotional time, but that doesn’t always happen. This week try and memorize the Moment of Truth bible verse.