The other day I was studying the Bible book of Daniel while sitting on my patio enjoying the beautiful day and the rich blue sky, when some long lost "friends" showed up. I mean my bird visitors that have not been around much lately: finches and the Red-Vented Bulbul with his mate. I had been missing their visits. Every year in the late Spring and Summer months I spend much time watching their babies being fed by them, as well as observing the baby birds learning to fly. You can see more about the Bulbuls here and also here It gave me a pleasant and enjoyable thrill to see those birds again. I said a little thank you prayer to the Lord for the nice surprise visit. Another hug from God !!
We have to be careful not to worship nature and the birds and other wonderful things about God's fantastic creation, but I know for a fact that God delights in our enjoyment of His creation, and that was a big factor in His handiwork, that we humans should also take delight in the beauty and fascinating creatures and plant life that sprung from His creative hand. But I digress. This post is about receiving hugs from God ! The Internet image below speaks volumes.
In prayer some time ago, I had told God how much I needed a "hug" from Him; a spiritual hug to give me comfort and encouragement. Soon thereafter I ran across this image above on the Internet. It just made me realize that the Lord is always giving me hugs as I read the Bible everyday. His Holy Word has been an anchor to my soul, as is Jesus. Hebrews 6:19 speaks mainly of hope of eternal life and heaven as being an anchor for the soul, but I also like to think of God's Word and Jesus in the same light. They all are intertwined. God's Word is His Love Letter to us, as well as His Instruction Manual to guide us along life's paths. We are told at Psalm 119:105, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." So reading and studying the Bible guides us, strengthens us, gives us power, helps us to endure trials and hardships, teaches us how to behave as Christians should, and much, much more. All of that results in many hugs from God. Most importantly, the Bible teaches us what God's and Jesus' characteristics are, and the more we read, the more we learn to have hearts full with love for the Lord. God is love. By reading the Bible and spending much time in prayer, the ultimate reward is a close, intimate, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. You will never be the same once you are filled with the Holy Spirit and in close communion with the Lord. There will be no desire to go back to your old sinful nature.
We also get hugs from God when He answers our prayers. Think of how awesome that is. The Almighty Sovereign God stoops down and takes notice of us puny, tiny specks of dust and even answers our petitions !! All of the hugs from God are His way of showing His great love and grace and tender mercies for His children.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - Jesus speaking at John 3:16 .
"As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love." - Jesus at John 15:9
God and Jesus are all about love, and we should endeavor to be the same way.
Below is a baby that gives its patient cat some loving hugs. It is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
The above video reminds me of what someone once said: "Remember that life's most treasured moments often come unannounced." How true. As when your baby says "Mama" or "Dada" for the first time out of the blue; or when your husband brings you flowers just because he loves you; and a myriad of other simple pleasures that can happen that all remind you that God just gave you a big hug.
God has used my 2-year-old grandson's affection for me to give me a hug direct from Him above. We all could go on and on with the lavishness of God's love and grace and hugs if we will stop and take the time to recollect and ponder how good He has been to us. We need to be generous to others as well with loving hugs to them..... which are really from God. His spirit at work in us.
Following is a video about cats and kittens and their hugs to others. (Yes, I am a cat lover!)
I hope these videos and the reminder that God loves you and that He gives you hugs all the time has brightened your weekend. Be happy and enjoy your weekend ! And be sure to thank God for all of your blessings !
"And whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he." - Proverbs 16:20b
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:" - Ephesians 1:3
