A few days ago, I was watching a video
recording of one of my favorite ministers. In the middle of the
sermon, a baby began to cry relentlessly for two or three minutes. I
will admit that for a few moments I was a bit annoyed. A wondered,
like some in the pews, why the parent didn't take the baby out to
another area. I got a little distracted from the sermon and had to
replay the portion where the baby was crying. But then I got
distracted again. This time it was from my own thoughts. When babies
cry it is because they want something. They cry because they are
hungry, need a diaper change, uncomfortable, sick or just want
attention. They will cry until the need is met.
Romans 8:15 says "For ye have
not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have
received the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry, Abba Father."
All of us were created to express the emotions of our soul and of our
spirit with a "cry." That cry will demand a response from
something or someone greater than ourselves. God, who is the source
of our spirit hears every cry of the soul and spirit. He created us
to communicate that cry to Him alone.
He has told us in His Word in Matthew
4:19 "But Jesus said, Let the little children come to Me, and
do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” He
also said as long as we abide in this earth we can ask for His
kingdom alternatives to come on earth as it is in heaven.
Fear not, little flock; for it is
your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. --Luke 12:22
We have permission to cry out
relentlessly to God when we are hungry. He has promised to take care
of us naturally because He is Jehovah-Jireh. He has promised to
satiate us spiritually with the knowledge, understanding and wisdom
of the bread of life... His scriptures. They instruct us with the
principles to live this life on earth.
We have permission to cry out
relentlessly when we are thirsty. He has given us the gift of the
Holy Spirit to abide with us to quench our thirst for a comforter,
helper and teacher.
We have permission to cry out
relentlessly when we need our spiritual diapers changed. Through the
Blood of Jesus, He has forgiven us, cleansed, sanctified, redeemed,
and consecrated us to reveal His glory in us, on us and through us.
We have permission to cry out
relentlessly when we are in distress. He is a banner and shield for
us, a defender, covering and a hedge of protection.
We have permission to cry out
relentlessly when we are sick (physically and spiritually). He is
Jehovah Raphe the healer of all manner of sickness, diseases,
afflictions, and infirmities.
And best of all we have permission to
cry out relentlessly to Him when we just want to be in His presence.
He is an omnipresent (everywhere), omnipotent (all power), omniscient
(all knowing) God All Mighty.
If ye abide in me, and my words
abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto
you. --John 15:7
So the next time you hear a baby cry
relentlessly, don't be annoyed. Just smile and remember that you too,
have permission to cry out relentlessly to the Lord.
Often I have heard people refer to God as a “crutch” and they use the word in a negative connotation. Sometimes it is to make light of the believer’s faith, trust and reliance on God, or give the impression that God relishes a following of zombie-like, dysfunctional people incapable of a significant life. Those who intend to mock us with usage of the word “crutch” fail to understand the utility and functionality of the crutch.
