Nougat 29

Feeling a bit down or forsaken? Today’s Holy Nougat is worth chewing on.

“Like a parent feels compassion for their children— that’s how the LORD feels compassion for those who honor him.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭13‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Compassion

I’ve had the honor of being around new parents recently and it is so adorable to see parent and child engage. And when something happens to the child, there’s nothing like that parent’s love. Yesterday, whilst at the lakeside in Geneva, a child came towards my table. A look of horror crossed the parents’ face! I couldn’t figure it out. Then the one shouted ‘No!’ and redirected the child as the other apologized.

It became clear. The child was on the autism/learning disabilities spectrum. My order looked enticing, so for the child, the next step was to take the treat. Needless to say, the parental intervention was met with loud resistance!

Their response?

They lifted the child, and created a simple distraction, then changed course, pushing the child in a stroller.

As we undertake our own spiritual journey on this side of eternity, we also have moments where we are drawn to baubles and treats. Like those parents, our God is a few steps ahead of our action, and can anticipate the next move. For me, that’s where we experience God’s compassion. It may be at the last minute, or after we connect with the wrong person or thing, God’s grace intervenes and transforms the situation for our good.

Sometimes it involves distracting us from the danger. And, despite our very vocal or profoundly emotional distress, our loving God actively relocates us. Or reminds us of God’s love for us and also of God’s God-ness. So in the face of Martha and Mary’s brokenness, Jesus wept (see John 11:35). That was compassion! As was the reminder in verse 25 that He IS the Resurrection and the Life (an I AM statement).

Moreover, we know that God responds to our tears, just as parents do (see Psalm 56:7-9). So we can believe that God is compassionate towards us. That’s our assurance for us to put our trust and hope in God.

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May all we seek be found in Christ