God Comes Near

Lamentations 3:57 You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear."

No matter how old my son gets, there are still times when he just needs his daddy. Monday morning was one of those times. James called about 6 a.m.. and the voice at the other end of the phone sounded much like a scared little boy rather than that of a 21 year old young man.

"Daddy, I can't breathe very good. It hurts really bad."

Still trying to break through the cobwebs of sleep, I could hear the wheeze as he struggled to draw in the much needed air. When he coughed, my heart sank as I realized just how sick he really was. Mike told him to be ready and then jumped up and began to quickly dress. He made the drive to our son's apartment in record time and got him to the doctor's office. Several hours later, he called me at school and reported the findings.

James' asthma attack was so severe that his lungs were 80% constricted. He was given an updraft treatment, a steroid shot, an antibiotic, a new inhaler, and daily preventative asthma medication. It was suggested that he move out of his apartment and away from a room-mate that smoked, and to begin looking for a new job that didn't involve a lumber yard and saw mill.

Later at home, Mike and I breathed a sigh of relief and then discussed with James the dangers of not taking care of himself. The scare and fear of death were still fresh in his mind, and he was much more open to suggestions and parental advice, even though it was the same advice that we'd been trying to impart on him for the last year.

As I listen to him snore in my living room tonight, now safe from immediate harm, I can't help but wonder if God ever feels like I do right now.

He has given his children a step by step book of instructions (the bible) reminding is of the dangers and troubles we will face in this life, and a way around those tribulations and trials. When we begin to stray he gently tries to bring us back into the fold. But because we're grown we don't think we need our Father's help. We can do it on our own. And so He allows us to make our own choices, knowing that it's a mistake, and learn the lessons the hard way.

But it isn't long before we are so far down the wrong path, that there doesn't seem to be a way out. It isn't long before the unknown has stolen our breath and the fear has taken hold of our lives. It is then that we cry out to God for help and comfort. And He is ALWAYS there. He runs to our side, and picks us up; wrapping his loving arms around us and promising that everything is going to be ok. In his presence there is peace and we are able to breathe with ease once more.

With things calmed down again, does God ever just raise his eyebrows, blow out his breath and shake his head as he looks down and sees the mess we've made yet again? Does he feel like laughing in frustration as we promise to never do it again...knowing that we will? Perhaps....

But as I reminded James this week, we are God's children and his love for us is continuous....even when we mess up.