“I am crying out to God for a new baby in my belly.” Spoken dramatically by my 3-year-old, this comment had me giggling for days on end. But it also made me reflect.

She has no clue as to what a baby in her belly would mean. She has no capacity whatsoever to care for an infant. It feels silly to even type these things out! But it made me wonder, do we sometimes sound this crazy when we pray? Do I approach God as if it is I that knows what is best for me? Absolutely.

In kindness, a good father only gives what is best for his children. He must often withholds harmful things that the child might perceive as good. For instance, having a full box of Krispy Kreme donuts as a snack. A great dad withholds harmful, glittery things out of love for his child. My husband and I are not going to give our 3-year-old the responsibility of a newborn because it would be disastrous for everyone involved. This withholding is one of the many ways our God cares for those He loves.

On the flipside, when people reject God, He often gives them over to their desires. Romans 1:24-25 says, “Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.“

The Bible teaches that our ultimate desires are for Christ and will be fulfilled in Christ. Our bodies, minds, souls were meant to worship God alone. We will not be satisfied until we are satisfied in Him. We are made for Him. So, the saddest thing that can happen is for us to be given over to our own passions and lusts. It is only by His mercy we are spared from this.

Today, Holy Spirit, help us trust that the One who has already given us Jesus, access to God, eternal encouragement & hope is working all things out for good. Teach us to come to the throne of grace humby acknowledging that You are good.