Sunday, February 26, 2006

God Carries Me


You have been borne by Me from birth and have been carried from the womb; even to your old age I will be the same and even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you. Isaiah 46:3,4

When my children were born I carried them everywhere. There was no way for them to go from one place to another without being picked up and carried. As they grew, learned to crawl, and eventually learned to walk and run, I carried them less and less. Now at the ages of 15, 17, and 19 I wouldn't think of picking them up and carrying them...physically. Yet I still have ways of carrying them in my heart, my prayers, and by encouraging words.

I am reminded this morning that God has carried me from the womb and continues to do so as an adult just a couple years shy of 50. His carrying implies many things. He holds me, sustains me, equips me, keeps me, provides for me, maintains me, and takes charge of me. He has made Himself entirely responsible for my success, effectiveness, and continuation. My part is to simply cooperate with Him.

There are times when I (like a stubborn child) want to do it myself and go my own direction. I can fight against the very things He wants for me. While never leaving me, He lovingly allows me to squirm away until painful consequences drive me back to His arms. When I come in repentance and brokenness, He does not hesitate to pick me up and carry me again. He is the ultimate Father of the returning prodigal.

May I not desire anyone or any thing else to be my support and foundation. I cannot afford to exchange being carried by Him for any other bearer of my soul, my burdens, or my life.

Father, continue to carry me day by day. Let me sense Your presence at every moment throughout the day and night. I love being carried by You. Amen.