just a brief thought tonight:

when we get hurt, God doesn’t get mad at us.

perhaps that notion strikes you as odd, “why would He be mad at us for being hurt?”

it struck me as odd when i first discovered it in my own heart. we brought our first child home from the hospital. beauty incarnate. heavenly bundle. my heart was absolute mush for my daughter. then came the cries in the dead of night. i was ripped out of my sweet slumber by the sound of newborn wailing. more disturbing than that was the emotion that filled my heart: anger. how could i be angry at this sweet little innocent child? she’s done no wrong, she means no ill, she’s simply in need! why would that anger anyone? it’s illogical, and nonetheless, undeniable: my child was crying and i was angry.

unfortunately, that wasn’t the last time i’ve had that reaction. sometimes when my kids cry, get hurt, need something, i get mad rather than compassionate. they’re inconveniencing me. they’re overreacting. they’re interrupting my plans with their pain.

i am thankful that God does not react that way to me.

He and i had a good talk about that today. He spoke to my heart, assuring me that He’s not mad at me for getting hurt. He’s not disappointed in me, that i wasn’t stronger, more immune to pain. He just doesn’t respond to His children’s cries that way. He responds with compassion. When we cry He listens and moves in compassion.

i want to be a daddy like that. One who is never angered by his children’s need.

You have a Daddy like that. He’s not mad at you for being hurt. He’s not disappointed in you for feeling pain. It’s safe to let Him know what hurts. When you cry in the night He is happy to help you.