It’s Okay, Child, I’ve Got You

We are deep in the season of loving a fearless little girl. A toddler who enjoys being on the move every second of her waking hours. Playing, imagining, and trying new things. No fear noted.

One of her favorite things, as I write this, is to climb the baby safety gates. She doesn’t realize they have been strategically placed for her safety. To her, they are simply in the way. A nuance blocking her. Keeping her out of what she thinks she needs to be into at that moment.

On more than one occasion, she climbs the gate, and instead of stepping back down to the ground the same way she climbed up, she cries. More accurately, it’s a high-pitched, shrill sound letting you know she needs help and fast. We quickly get her down, and not 60 seconds later, she does it again. All the while forgetting what just took place. Again and again, we run to help while calming her fears and drying her tears. Letting her know she’s safe and everything is okay. Repeating over and over, “It’s okay, baby, I’ve got you.”

The more I’ve watched her, the more I’ve been reminded that God is covering me the same way. How many times a day does he repeat over and over to me, “It’s okay, I’ve got you?” Constantly reminding me and pursuing me with His presence.

I’d be remiss if I said I always paid attention to how God is walking with me through various circumstances or situations. I often fall short of paying attention. To standing in awe of God’s mighty working power and His strong hand guiding me.

I don’t know about you, but there are so many moments and seasons in which I need to be carried. Life can feel hard and overwhelming for so many different reasons, and there’s just not enough ability in my own human power to handle it on my own. Like you, we cannot make it through on our own accord. We are blessed to have been given breath and grace and mercy that we don’t deserve. I don’t want to take it for granted.

As I watch this little fearless girl do her thing, I’m reminded that God is here for me, too, just like I’m here for her. One cry is all it takes. One word is all it takes. He is ready and willing to carry me through whatever comes on this journey called life. I don’t know about you, but I need that reassurance. There’s too much going on not to have a God who will hold me close and provide me with peace that surpasses all understanding. He’s here for you, too.

Psalm 91

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.

Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.

For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.

They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.

When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.

I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”