HUGS
Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.
Psalm 27:10 (NLT)
Interesting how people label themselves as huggers or non-huggers. To hug or not to hug, that is the question. Going in for a hug with a non-hugger can be traumatic for both parties. You know the feeling— the awkwardness of leaning in to hug a non-hugger, and you get a boundary marker with a hand and facial gesture. Or the feeling of not wanting a hug from a space invader who doesn’t notice the NO on your face as they try to embrace you. (By the way…not hating on non-huggers, just pointing out differences.)
On the flip side, the warmth you experience when hugging someone you love or haven’t seen for a while. The beauty of an embrace from a child running into the arms of their mom or dad. The experience of being loved well when we’re in the midst of grief or loss. The love of someone who wants to let you really know that you matter to them.
Is Jesus a hugger? I believe He is. In Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34, he tells Jerusalem that He has often wanted to gather or hug them as a hen gathers her chicks. He goes on to lament that, unfortunately, Jerusalem was not willing to be held. What does this picture convey to us? What does this metaphor communicate to us? A mother hen will gather her chicks under her wings to nurture, guide and defend. Jesus desires to do so with us. All we have to do is be open to the life His embrace brings.
APPLICATION: Ask God for a tangible experience of His love toward you. If you sense resistance to that request, ask Him why you would say no to His hug? Then hug those closest to you today!
PRAYER: Father, thank You for loving me with an eternal love. As I draw close to You in prayer, will You hug me? Will You allow me to experience a love from You that transcends anything I have experienced? Break down any walls that are in the way. Help me allow myself to receive Your hug today. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?