Carry Me

How many times as a parent or grandparent have we heard that request “Carry Me”?

Let me tell you a quick story. Years ago, while we were in Hawaii visiting our oldest daughter and family, we took a day to climb Diamond Head. Us and a few hundred people we had never met. Our grandson was a toddler at that time and his sister was in kindergarten. Our grandson was in a backpack carrier, but his sister was walking. She got tired and you guessed it, said “Carry Me”.

She was carried the rest of the way and as we neared the top, I heard her say, “I’m so tired”. We had to laugh. That’s the image that came to mind yesterday while I was reading my Bible.

“Then I said, “Don’t worry! 30 The Lord our God will lead the way. He will fight on our side, just as he did when we saw him do all those things to the Egyptians. 31 And you know that the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we’ve been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children.” Deuteronomy 1:29-31 CEV

This is Moses talking to the Israelites shortly before they head into the Promised Land. His time as their leader was drawing to a close and Joshua would be his replacement. He was recounting all the Lord had done for them while they had been in the wilderness.

” the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we’ve been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children. “

What a comfort! The Lord doesn’t abandon us, He carries us! When we are tired and weary, He gives us rest.

“I praise you, Lord, for answering my prayers.You are my strong shield, and I trust you completely. You have helped me, and I will celebrate and thank you in song. You give strength to your people, Lord, and you save and protect your chosen ones. Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.” Psalms 28:6-9 CEV

When the prophets were foretelling the birth of Christ and all that He would be to those here on earth he said this:

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

Eternal Father!

Think about that – He is our eternal Father! He is always with us, and He is always willing to “Carry Me”.

Joy Is A Choice

These words filled my heart this morning as I was waking up, “Change is inevitable, Joy is a choice”.

I don’t know if someone famous said them, I don’t know where I heard them. Maybe the Lord just gave those words to me and if He did, I’m sharing them with you.

“But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people.11 For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!” Luke 2:10-11 AMPC

We’ve all heard the “Christmas Story” at least once. God’s love came to earth as a baby. Angels sang, shepherds were startled, a young woman and man’s lives were changed completely and the world received a Savior.

Inevitable change!

Lots of change, and with it came uncertainty; some feared it, some hated it (Herod), some worshipped it and some were filled with joy. There is no doubt all were changed by this one life!

Many of the changes we encounter can step us back on our heels and create an atmosphere of uncertainty. That is when we draw close to the One who came to bring us joy. Our relationship with Christ, our dependence upon the Father, our comfort from the Holy Spirit let us know that we are not alone. When we trust Him, in all things, we can experience unspeakable joy. Joy because He is trustworthy.

“Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy. Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:4-7 ERV

I can be filled with joy, not about unexpected changes or circumstances, but because God’s greatest gift, the gift of love has been given to me and to you, to all of us, and our relationship with Him brings peace and provides all that we need. We find comfort, peace and joy in His love.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Make joy your choice!