The Bubbling Brook

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:17-18 NIV

Growing up, the main point of connection between my Father and I was football. Ever since I can remember we were talking football, playing football, and strategizing on how I could become a better football player. I had the opportunity to be coached by my father in fourth grade, and even when he wasn’t my coach he was still my biggest fan, helping me analyze games after they were over on where I could improve.

After my high school team lost in the playoffs my senior year, I was devastated – the career in a sport I had grown to love for 10+ years was now over. Driving back home felt like it was a cross country roadtrip, and mustering up the strength to pull off my pads seemed like an impossible feat. When I arrived back home defeated in my spirit, I noticed a note laying on my pillow. I soon realized this note was penned by my father. In this note, he told of how his heart would swell with pride every time I led my team onto the field. How grateful he was for the journey we enjoyed together over the past decade. And how he would proudly tell anyone who would indulge him I was his son. It was the kindest thing I’ve ever received, and has been a well of strength for me throughout the years. I often return to this note when I’m having a bad day or need to be reminded about my purpose in this world.

My father understood that this was not a time to analyze and talk about what plays I could have made in the game. This time was different, and instead of helping me on my pursuit of becoming a better athlete, all I really needed was love.

You see, God’s love is divine – it is perfect. The Bible says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishments. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18, NIV. Jesus knows exactly where you are at and where you are going. He knows exactly what you need, and as a loving Father, he knows when it’s time to motivate and when it’s time to love and encourage you. And when situations look dim from a worldly perspective, and it looks like you’ve lost the big game – know that his thoughts are higher than ours (Isiah 55:8), and his plan for your life is much bigger than whatever you might be facing right now.

Like the strength I find in my father’s note, there is strength to be found in the Word of God. A touch of the Lord’s presence is greater than any food, any wealth, or any fleshly desire that you can experience. If it feels like you’re running on empty and you don’t know where to turn in life, turn around, for Jesus has been with you all of this time. Fall into his loving arms, and find restoration 🙂

If you’d like me to pray over you, you can send prayer requests to: bubblingbrookinc@gmail.com.

Love y’all, have a blessed week ❤