Plugged in and Switched on

At home we have a cordless telephone handset, allowing you to carry it around as you do your chores - and remain in touch with your caller. It does, however, need to be returned to its ‘cradle’ to recharge. Technology is wonderful, and so helpful when the basic instructions for use are complied with, as the telephone has to be charged regularly, and the cradle is a specific fit. One needs to check that it is correctly seated in order for charging to take place. Safely in position the cordless phone can recharge for the required length of time and then be a useful tool once again.

This set me thinking about my relationship with Abba Father. I often feel like that handset, when I’m worn out and tired – or at the beginning of each day when I need encouraging or help, or when I see trouble looming. It’s so good to come to our Abba Father ‘docking station / charger’. I come to His presence and almost ‘reverse’ into Him so that my back is covered, comforted and strengthened, my face outwards so that I can see the way ahead of me (planning for the day / week / situation). In that position I sense His arms surrounding me and enfolding me – a Divine Embrace – as a lover would hold his beloved as they gaze at the sunset.

In this position I am at perfect rest; (there is no more striving as I know Father’s ear is so close we can discuss the events before us. ‘You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because He trusts in You’ (Isaiah 26:3). I am secure; ‘there is no fear in love, as perfect love drives out all fear' (1 John 4:18), I am alert; (not hiding from the realities before me, but calmly able to see the enemy lion prowling, and hear Father’s advice as to how to negotiate my path – (1 Peter 5:8), and I am strengthened (as I realise how loved I am and how precious I am to the Father. ‘The God of all grace … will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast’ (1 Peter 5:10-11). To Him be the praise forever and ever!

Where are you in this picture? Are you confidently being ‘plugged in’ to Father’s loving arms regularly,if so give thanks! Are you battling to ‘get connected’ correctly with the Father, somehow you are just unable to make the connection? Ask Father to help you – ‘His arm is not too short to save, nor His ear to dull to hear’ (Isaiah 59:1).

Maybe you struggle to even know whether the Father will accept you into His embrace. Will you be able to ‘fit into the socket’ – perhaps the concept is overwhelming and so foreign it seems ludicrous. Be encouraged, Jesus says: ‘Come to Me ALL who are weary and burdened, and I WILL give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28).

Prayer: Father, I am so in need of Your embrace, Your peace, Your strength and courage for the days ahead. Please would You help me, by the grace of Your Holy Spirit, to come into Your presence now, would You teach me how to find that position of nearness, and in so doing would You please fill me afresh with everything I need – according to Your riches in glory. Thank You Father, I love you. Amen .