"God Hugs"

“God Hugs”

(A joint effort with Karen)

 

During a difficult time for our family almost 30 years ago Karen often found solace by walking through the woods at a Christian camp. One day as she neared a pond she saw a deer calmly drinking. Later as she described the scene to me she called it a “God Hug” and remembered the psalmist’s words “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” (Psalm 42:1). He used this special moment to encourage her (and me) that He’s always there and ready to touch His people in a special way to bring encouragement in a time of need.

Karen’s definition of a “God Hug” is an action in which He reaches out to His child in a way specifically designed to meet her or him by which He can uniquely show His love. Because of her appreciation for animals and the wonders of God’s creation this ministered to her in a way that might not have to someone else. But a God hug to others could be through a need met in an unexpected fashion, a kind word from another person (“The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry.”—Proverbs 25:11, The Message), a beautiful sunset at the end of a trying day, a flower bed with its array of colors, or in a myriad of other ways meant to touch us with His love. So He can hug us wherever we are by any means He chooses.

In my boyhood days I remember a comic book character called Plastic Man. He could stretch his limbs to great lengths to do good things like capture the bad guys. While distance is no problem to God (“Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save….”—Isaiah 59:1) His hugs are much more intimate when we’re walking close to Him. In James 4:8 Jesus’ brother writes, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” But note we must take the initiative and once we do we can be sure He’ll meet us with wide-open arms.

Take a moment to think of how many God hugs you’ve received over the past few days. Lots of them, right? Now thank Him for showing you how special you are to Him.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim and Karen McMillan