Well, our not-so-small puppy, 9 month old Penny, has begun a new behavior in our home. In the evening when I am relaxing in my recliner, Penny wants to crawl up on my lap and nap. Those of you who are right now thinking, “Aw… how cute!” have probably never had a 60 pound pup think she is a lap-dog. I mean, Penny is a Lab not a Toy Poodle, for crying out loud! After 5 minutes my legs begin to ache and my feet go numb!
I hate to deny her or disturb her though, because she is just so content. As she settles down on me she will often heave a sign of contentment as she snuggles down into my Steelers blanket, and soon she is gently snoring away. Meanwhile, after a few minutes I find myself squirming around to try to get comfortable with her smashing my legs.
Ah, the life of a spoiled dog! Penny’s biggest concern in life seems to be if will we feed her on time. She doesn’t really have a care in the world, because if her biggest concern is feeding time, well… she is fed faithfully three times a day.
That’s not necessarily true of us though, is it… we have tons of concerns. Oftentimes, I find myself being a bit envious of Penny, because she is well cared for and quite oblivious to any serious concerns.
She has all of her food provided, she has 3 acres to do her “business,” she has humans who love her, she has toys to chew. A comfortable home to live in. What else does she need in life?
People though… our lives are so much more complicated. All of us are aware that Jesus taught in the Sermon On The Mount that we ought not worry… so we don’t worry… not really… Instead we have “concerns”. We have health concerns… financial concerns… relationship concerns… work concerns… Let’s just face it head-on… life is sometimes difficult and challenging, and that can lead to stress in our life.
Are you feeling… well, you know… “concerned” right now about something? Maybe we can learn a lesson from Penny. When Penny lays on my lap she is so content… she feels safe… loved… cared for… and at peace. When life gets challenging, maybe we should seek out the lap of the Father.
Paul wrote: And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:6-7 NLT When you know Christ as Savior you are a Child of God… and an heir to his Kingdom. What wonderful blessings that brings to our lives! In Jewish society “Abba” is a child’s way of addressing their father. Abba means papa or daddy literally, but if you do not consider the social context of the word you miss so much of the meaning. Abba is an innocent child intimately expressing their love in how they address their father. It denotes dependence, trust and safety, because their abba… their daddy… loves them and protects them.
What would it look like for you to rest in the lap of your Abba? Perhaps your prayer life could reflect your need for your Abba better. Cry out to him in your times of need just like a young child would call out to Daddy. Rest in him and know that in his lap of provision you are safe… loved… cared for… and know the peace of God that passes all understanding. He will never deny you a place of comfort and rest on his lap. He is always faithful. Your Abba… your Heavenly Father… your Daddy… Loves you as his very own child.
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