The ‘Lost Children’s Tent’

I’ve been feeling nostalgic recently, and my thoughts have turned to my childhood in Edinburgh, and our trips to the fair. The first thing my parents told us when we got there was where the ‘Lost Children’s Tent’ was, (or, as we called it in our family, the ‘Lost Daddies’ Tent’ – because it always seemed to be my Dad that we lost!) It was in the same corner of the field every year with a big clear banner flying above the tent, telling waifs and strays and distressed children where to find safety and comfort. It reminds me of one of my all-time favourite bible verses, ‘He has taken me to the banquet hall, and His banner over me is Love’ (Song of Songs 2:4).

This verse helps to remind us that, whatever the struggle we’re going through, God’s love never changes. He never removes that banner over our heads which says that He loves us. If we think about a banner for a moment, it’s something that guides us and tells us where we need to be, like a sign on the road. He has put His love first, before anything else.

The greatest commandment God gives us is to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength’. He’s calling us to do that. In fact, I believe we can begin to find our healing if we do, and we’ll experience such joy, delight and intimacy in our relationship with Him.

He wants to bring us to a place of healing and wholeness, so we can say, “His banner over me is love”. His wonderful love is for each one of us.

Prayer: Abba Father, help me to be able to accept Your banner of love over me. Help me to know the depth and breadth of Your banner of love over me, Your child. Help me to put You first with all my heart, soul and strength. Amen.