“But now, this is what the Lord says…’Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”‘ Isaiah 43:1-3a
Our youngest got sick a few months ago: High fever, aches and pains, sore throat, as well as other symptoms that you probably would wish I didn’t mention. He was absolutely miserable, and as a result, started repeating the phrase, “Mommy, I neeeeeeed you.” During that time, he really did need me – To hold him, comfort him, and hug him; simply to be there. I couldn’t take away his pain, but I could be there with him while he suffered. I was more than happy to fulfill that wish for him, knowing that he would still be suffering, but hoping that I could make it a little easier for him by loving him through it.
Fast forward two months, and our littlest’s favorite phrase is still, “I need you.” However, it’s not said with the same intonation or the same sad puppy dog eyes that he had when he was sick. Now we interpret the same words to mean, “I love you,” instead of “I’m miserable.”
A few weeks ago, at church, in the middle of worshipping through music, I was feeling very disconnected from God. It had been a crazy morning, I was doubting my abilities as an effective mom (my youngest was crying because I made him go to his class, we were rushing around, and I had a conversation with another of my children where I was trying to be supportive but not enabling), and so I was feeling “miserable.” I didn’t want to sing praises to God in that frame of mind, so I stopped, bowed my head, and decided I needed to make things right. I needed His help to change my attitude so I could be fully present instead of reliving regrets. I bowed my head and out popped, “I need You.” That was all I said, but that was all that was needed. It immediately took me back to our youngest and how those three little words speak volumes to me as a parent. I was at peace, knowing that they spoke volumes to God that morning too.
I came to the conclusion that God understands our, “I need You’s” in life. In fact, just like I was glad to be the one that our toddler cried for during sickness, our Heavenly Father loves being the One we cry out to when we are miserable. Whatever struggles you face, whether feeling lonely, depressed, angry, overwhelmed, or just plain exhausted, He wants to be the One we run to with, “I need You.” I’m glad that He doesn’t need a huge explanation from me in how I need Him; just saying I need Him is enough.
I want to encourage everyone today: When life has gotten out of control and you are needing an extra dose of encouragement, a hug, or some comfort, remember those three little words, “I need You,” and a Heavenly Father who thinks they are music to His ears.