God's Presence: Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

I know the toddler tantrums well by now. They start with a protest, making us stop dead in our tracks. If the cause of the tantrum is truly an epic injustice then the tears gush forth and at times, in gold winning fashion, their bodies go limp on my arm in a dead weight and they fall to the floor in uncontrollable sobs. So much emotion in a little body and oh, what a scene a toddler can make when truly provoked.

When at my best I can console my little loves, calm them and make the world right again with a deal, an explanation, or helping words to pinpoint their emotions. It takes guidance and patience to navigate the emotional waves of  toddlerhood. It takes practice. I could let my little loves map out these big feelings on their own but as a parent I see their inability and the defeat that would ensue so I stop and tend to them as needed. Sometimes that means helping, sometimes that means responding, sometimes that means giving my child the space they need to work through their outbursts. In any case, as a parent that loves my children, I am present and acutely attentive to their needs because I want the best for my children.

The Father wants the best for His children. Even when life feels like more than can be handled, like injustice or failure have occurred, like one should fall to the floor in defeat, He is there. He may be teaching a lesson, consoling, comforting, or building His children up but the Father is always right there responding. He is present.

Dear God, I can get so caught up in how I feel I forget you are there. Help me to see you in the hard times. Help me to draw near and hear you, watch for you, be mindful of you. You are always present.

Amen.