I am reading this somewhat controversial Christian book called “The Shack”. It is a work of fiction, but still it has some exciting concepts that has me really thinking. I recommend this book highly and I don’t want to ruin the story for you. But there are two ideas that have been powerful for me to ponder. One of the characters calls God the Father, Papa. I thought that was a bit odd, but then doesn’t the Bible tell us that he is our abba father, meaning our daddy? Some of us have great memories of our dad’s and some do not. Some have a mixed set of memories. It can be hard to relate to God as daddy. But the truth is that He wants us to have the most intimate relationship with Him. Sometimes I am so busy reverencing God and thinking of Him as so wholly other then me that I forget that He wants that daddy relationship with me. It feels almost disrespectful and I’d never want to be that. But I want to want what God wants. And He wants that intimate and cozy and relaxed relationship with me. Yes, I need a Papa and He wants to be that for me. Thank you!
The second idea that has me really thinking is related to trust. If I trusted God, really trusted Him, why would I ever need to worry? The fact is that we don’t live like we are loved by God. We intellectually know He loves us (doesn’t the Bible say that?) but do we feel it deep down? Do we trust that He loves us perfectly and completely? We don’t honestly know what that feels like because we are always dealing with people. But God is not a human being. He is capable of what we are not. His love is perfect and unending. His intention toward us is always, always good. If we believe that then we need to start living like we are loved and not just hoping we’re loved. If we could grab hold of this love, then we could go through our lives in peace, knowing that God loves us, has the very best intentions toward us and will never leave us. There will be troubles and pain, but that is okay because we are loved.
Marissa Ekback
Team Chaplain
January 4th, 2009
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