He Answers

This morning I am thinking about how excited my daughter was the first time my 14-month-old grandson called her “Ma-ma.”  The significance of that moment, one of pure and mutual delight between my baby and her baby, was not lost on me.  And I smiled.  I knew it was only the first of countless times she would hear that precious utterance for years to come.  Of course, the way it is spoken may evolve over the years.  “Ma-ma, eat?”  “Mommy, I don’t feel good.”  “Mom, can I go out with my friends?”  Yet, all are simply variations on a moniker her sons’ hearts will reserve for no one else but her.  How often my daughter will hear “Ma-ma” in one form or another, I can’t imagine.  What I do know is that she won’t grow weary of hearing it.  I know there’s something about a mother’s heart that always quickens with inexpressible affection to hear a child’s call.  And I know that when her sons call, my daughter will turn her attention toward them and she will answer.  It brings a smile to my face again today, as I consider how this applies to my relationship with my heavenly Father.  It was many years ago that I first spoke in faith, “God, I believe that You are.”  I cannot even venture to guess how many times I’ve called on Him since.  The way I call His Name may differ.  “Father, I need Your wisdom.”  “God, it hurts.  Please help me.”  “Lord, give me strength.”  All are simply variations on the matchless Name my heart reserves for none other but Him.  I rejoice to know that He never gets weary of hearing my call.  I am filled with hope to know that His heart still quickens with inexpressible affection when He hears my spirit cry, “Abba, Father!”  And it is even more wonderful to know that He answers.  Sometimes He answers through the loving counsel of a friend.  Sometimes He answers with an unexpected turn of events.  Sometimes He answers with an overwhelming peace.  I don’t always know when or how, but I do know this:  With just what I need, just when I need it, He turns His attention toward me and He answers…always.  Amen.