A Thousand Times
I told him I loved him and at 6 years old he replied, “I know, you’ve told me like a thousand times.” Not much as has changed with the cutest middle child you’ve ever seen. I still have to steal hugs, kisses, and sometimes even bribe him for affection. He recently just “dabbed” in my face when I asked for a kiss. Lol! But I will pursue him until he leaves, because I know that one day he’ll cleave to a wife. I love that boy and he will hear me say it every single day.
When I think about my pursuit of my boy, despite the heartache it sometimes brings, I can’t help but compare it to how God is constantly pursuing us – His children, His chosen ones, His beloved. Despite the heartache we sometimes cause Him, He never ever throws His hands up in defeat. There’s a marvelous chunk of verses in Psalm 139 that perfectly describes this great pursuit by our all-knowing, ever-present God. The psalmist writes, Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits even there your hand will lead me; your right hand will hold on to me (Psalm 139:7-10).
We can never move beyond God’s love or escape His presence. Even if you’ve only known Him since today, He has known you all of your life. He has always been in pursuit of you, wanting a relationship with you. He loves you so much that He gave His only son for you. Even on a bad day, when it’s harder to receive that love, He is there.
We sing a song at church by Bethel Music called Goodness of God– it’s awesome and our worship team nails it every time! There’s a part in the song that says, Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me. I’m getting teary eyed just typing these words because our God, in His goodness and faithful love, is running after us and will pursue us all the days of our lives (Psalm 23:6).
We can make mistakes, be mad at Him, and even dab in His face, but like the greatest example of a parent that He is, He will tell you I love you a thousand times!