I awoke from my afternoon nap to discover our black cat pressed into my side, sleeping. Chloe had edged her way into the curve of my waist to absorb as much human warmth as possible. It reminded me of our four-year-old. Often, early in the morning, he’ll press up beside me really tightly. By pushing into my side he receives the love and closeness he requires.
Such simple moves towards love convey our most basic needs. And the more we love someone the more we pursue them, leaning in to what they have to offer. There is nothing passive about the pursuit of affection and intimacy. We crave it and we actively take steps to find it.
The Amplified version of the Bible offers some descriptions of leaning on God, which I enjoyed discovering:
“Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You.” (Psalm 143:8 AMP)
“And they who know Your name will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:10 AMP)
“Commit your way to the Lord ; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5 AMP)
I have been through seasons of distancing myself from my loving God, and seasons of drawing myself close. I have questioned his trustworthiness at times, yet time and time again he has proven completely faithful. He has shown me the way I should go as I’ve walked beside him, pressing in.
We may tire of a baby who pushes their body into us in the early hours of the morning, resenting the sleep disturbance. But God is never bothered by our closeness. He delights in our desire of him. He wholeheartedly offers warmth and care and intimacy to his beloved children who seek to delight in him and all that he offers. He’s our vital life source and he loves when we acknowledge that.
And when we have all we need in Jesus Christ, unhealthy striving for the attention of others ceases. Instead, we receive gladly the ‘gifts’ (people) he provides us, with thankfulness, from an already full heart.
Why not have a listen to the classic song, Lean on me, courtesy of the Glee singers:
It's a God thing... 
A lovely post! And so true I can testify to the same, when I pull away I feel He is distant but as soon as I pull closer I am reassured that He has always been right there waiting for me to once again draw near to Him. Blessings to you!
Thanks for stopping by. It’s wonderful isn’t it. God, and His love, can always be found. We just have to draw in close 🙂
Have a wonderful day,
Ali
Great post Ali!
Thanks Rick! God bless.
LOVE the song…LOVE even more the ONE we can ALWAYS lean on. Great post, Ali.
Amen Sheila! So glad His strong shoulder is always available 🙂
Thank you. Be blessed today,
Ali
I can really relate to this! I have a black cat (Amber) that is really affectionate, and I love how you compare that to leaning on God. Great post! 🙂
Thank you! My cat is black too (did I mention that?) I love that we can always lean on God’s strong shoulder 🙂
Be blessed, and thanks for dropping in 🙂
Sometimes when I’m praying, I’ve felt like I was physically leaning . ..being pulled by the Holy Spirit perhaps. 🙂 Your post reminded me of that , and why it’s such a good thing to do. Thank you and God bless you and your little leaner!
That’s beautiful Debbie, and I’m glad it brought recollections of that lovely Holy Spirit ‘pull’. Thank you so much Debbie, and may you be blessed and uplifted as you keep leaning into Him, His love, and His perfect rest.
Ali
Great little leaner you have there! Good message, too.
Thanks Patti! He is 🙂
I’m late reading this, but your post was a healthy dose of midweek spiritual uplifting. Nice comparison of a young child’s needs to our needs met by God. (And great photo of your ‘little leaner; :))
I’m glad Janna, and thanks for dropping by 🙂 Thanks – he certainly reminds me to press into God more. Have a great week as you rest in Him 🙂
You put this so beautifully – a great image! Now I will think a bit differently when my miss 4 sneaks in in the early hours 🙂 Funny thing is I’m so used to it now I kinda miss the mornings that I don’t wake up to her arms around my neck! Maybe that’s how God feels when we pull back. Have a wonderful week x
Mmm, yes I love the thought that God enjoys when we reach out for him, and rest in his presence rather than trying to do it our way… coming to him rather than staying in our own ‘bed’. Thanks for dropping by Aimee x
Lovely.
Thank you 🙂