Our need to feel secure

Less than two weeks ago My Big made a tearful confession, “All of a sudden, I’m freaking out when I’m not with you. Like last week, when I stayed home and you took the other two to soccer, I freaked out. I completely lost it.”

This didn’t surprise me about my girl. I know her. She likes to have her mama close. But she’s growing up – stepping out in new, independent ways. She’s having to learn to take some new, big steps without me. To her, it’s scary.

Just this morning, the topic came up again. My friend and I were talking about how our kids won’t go upstairs alone. It’s too scary. They need someone else with them – anyone – even if it’s a little sister. Because presence matters.

Presence makes us feel secure.

It’s the same reason why all my kids like to sleep in the same bed at night.
It’s why I sleep so much better when my husband is in town.
It’s why the guy at the bar needs a wing-man.
It’s why we want a buddy with us if we’re going to try that new class at the gym.

But here’s the reality: my kids can’t always have my presence. You and I have not been guaranteed a wing-man or a bed-buddy or someone to hold our hand all the time. That can feel scary.

The presence of God

It can feel scary unless we know the presence of another – the only One who can keep His promise to never to leave us or forsake us.

All my life I’ve been told the truth about God’s presence. They are the same things I told my daughter. “Baby, you know I can’t always be there.  But you also know the One who can.”

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“… and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

I’ve learned that there is a huge chasm between knowing (even believing) that God is with us and actually experiencing the reality of His presence.

Because His presence is everything. It is the game changer. God’s presence is what we all we need to feel secure.

My Faithful Companion

For the last two years, I’ve been seeking to know God more through His many names. In the process, He’s met with me. He’s kept me company. There’s no other way to describe the journey we’ve been on than that. His presence is all that I need to feel secure.

So now, it’s what I’m praying for my daughter – for a sweet encounter with God’s presence. His gentle hand resting on the small of her back, proving Himself to be real.