Out of the Mouths of Babes

 

I love seeing my young mama friends proudly show off their babies in milestone photos – at two weeks, one month, two months, etc. Every picture radiates love, joy, and a whole lot of sleepless nights. But despite the exhaustion, they dote on those little ones with unwavering devotion -- as they should.

These precious babies are soaking in love, day by day. And then, something beautiful happens. One day, that little one finds their words and says, “Mommy/Daddy, I love you so much! You’re the best mommy/daddy in the whole wide world!” (Cue the happy tears.)

Then, not long after, they add, “Thank you for keeping me safe. Thank you for my warm bed and peanut butter sandwiches. Thank you for always being here.”

Sound familiar? That’s a page straight out of Psalm 23: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" aka "I have everything I need." Isn’t it a tender thought? A child so secure in love that gratitude just overflows.

Now, flip that picture. You and I are God’s children. And He delights in hearing those same words from us.

How often do we pause to say, "Father aka Daddy, I sure love You!" Not out of habit or obligation, but from a heart that truly knows we are loved beyond measure.

One way I love to connect with God is by personalizing Scripture -- letting His words become my own prayer:

"Thank You, Lord, for being my Shepherd. Thank You for leading me beside quiet waters. Thank You for restoring my soul. Thank You for guiding me when I feel lost."

It’s having a heart-to-heart with our Heavenly Father, pouring out love and trust just like a child does with their parents. And let’s be honest -- when a child runs into our arms with pure love, we want to scoop them up and lavish them with even more.

Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

So today, let’s be that child -- delighting in Him, resting in His love, and whispering, "Daddy, You are so good!" Because I have no doubt -- He loves hearing it.