As I sat in the worship service at church last week, a mom made her way to the podium to address the congregation. While she was on her way, her toddler noticed that she was moving away and started to cry.

As the toddler cried, she hurriedly moved through the giant benches and rushed towards the front of the church. As she got closer to her mom, she raised her hands, signaling for her mother to lift her up. 

As soon as the toddler was with her mom, she stopped crying, and everything seemed to be fine and dandy again.

Some of us may frown upon this story, thinking that the cry of a baby distracts from worship or disrupts the reverence in church. But let’s focus on the lesson for each of us in this story.

Draw Night to God 

This story is a reminder that we should always run towards our heavenly Father. The Lord does not want us to be alone in the moments when we are crying or during the situations that cause us pain. Instead, He wants us to draw closer to Him.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8 NIV)

Seek the Lord

As an introvert, I have the tendency to retreat when things aren’t going very well. Hopefully you aren’t like me but will run to the Lord when things aren’t going your way.

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. (Isaiah 55:6 NIV)

The baby rushed to her mom, and her mom picked her up. The psalmist testified, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me.”

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4 NIV)

The Lord is always ready and willing to pick you up and comfort you with His embrace. Cry out for Him, run to Him, and lift up your hands to Him.

Prayer

Prayer About Running to the Lord

Dear Lord,

Remind me to run to you in my times of need. Remind me to draw near to you when I’m troubled, hurt, or worried. Thank you for being the awesome father that you are to all your children. Thank you for always picking us up when we fall and answering us when we call. 

I’m comforted by Your promise to hear and answer when I call. I pray that others will find comfort in this promise too. Thank You for the many prayers that You’ve answered. Thank You for the countless times You’ve picked me up. Thank You for the times in the future when You’ll answer my calls and comfort me with your embrace. I submit this prayer in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.