“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”—Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
My son and daughter-in-love invited me to attend my granddaughter’s K-4 year-end play. As I took my seat, I anxiously waited for her class to make their way to the stage. I didn’t know anything about the presentation; I just knew she was going to be part of the production. As soon as I spotted her, I waited for the moment when she would be positioned to see me, and I threw my hand in the air with a wild wave. She spotted me and acknowledged me with a smile and a shy wave. I sat poised to give her all the support I felt she might need. Over the top? Maybe, but I won’t apologize to anyone. I’m her biggest fan!
I love the various events children take part in mainly because of their carefree approach to something new. They listen and then do their best to emulate as instructed. It’s not until they get under the white-hot spotlight that you find out how they’re going to respond.
T-ball will find a batter making contact with the ball only to steam plow their way to third base. They’re so committed they don’t hear that at this particular time the shouts are not encouragement, they’re instruction for them to turn around. They don’t even notice when they pass a teammate running in the opposite direction.
Anything to do with youth music is adorable. They always give it their best trying to reproduce what they’ve learned—only now while under pressure and with people staring directly at them. I would describe the result as a precious, fingernails-on-a-chalkboard, beautiful, hot mess.
There is nothing more revealing about the different personalities than a school play. At the K-4 year-end play, one little guy was so uncomfortable on stage that he crossed his arms and raised them over his face and kept them there almost the entire show. One little girl paid no attention to the program and preferred to lay on the floor. In the midst of the program another child corrected other children on where to stand and what to sing. Others sang their hearts out, and still others sang only part of the time.
This large room that had been previously empty during practice was now filled with expectant eyes and a lot of teeth. Those who were terrified by the changes were consoled and allowed to leave the stage if they couldn’t bear up under the pressure.
As I looked around the room and watched the parents and other grandparents, I could see we all felt the same. Our hearts were on that stage. They were so vulnerable up there, and we didn’t want them to be hurt. We knew the risk they were taking, and we wanted them to know we were there for them no matter the level of success. We were deeply proud at any attempt they made, because we knew this was only the beginning. They’re taking their first steps into a great big world, and we wanted to lay a foundation of confidence that would only grow as time went by.
We smiled hard, laughed joyously, and clapped enthusiastically. Some stood to catch the eye of their beloved little ones and threw kisses. Teachers encouraged and coaxed for success.
Hot mess or not, what we saw and heard was so much more. Willingly and unwillingly, these babies were being introduced to more of life. These types of events would be their taste of what the world thought of them, as they put themselves on display for approval.
We were all in their corner watching little hearts take a big swing at life, shooting for the moon.
What sort of pressures are you facing? Pressure to perform to a certain standard? In moments like that, who is in your corner cheering you on?
I can guarantee you this: God is cheering you on. He knows that trusting Him starts with baby steps. He wants to build a foundation of trust and confidence in His love for you. He wants you to understand who you are and who He says you are to Him.
Even when you head in the wrong direction, ignoring His voice of instruction, He’ll patiently wait for you to learn His voice and respond to His coaching. He’s deeply proud of any attempt you make. No matter the level of success, He will never be disappointed in you. Ever.
He offers you the affection and friendship of a Father who has no rival and no equal.
Even if His face is in a crowd of your supporters, He’s the teacher who encourages and coaxes you for success. He’s the One smiling super hard, laughing over-the-top joyously, and clapping hand-stinging enthusiastically. He will boldly stand up to make eye contact with you and blow kisses at you. He’ll never apologize for His unending, unstoppable all-consuming love for you!
You’ll never be ashamed or regretful when you shoot for the moon, because you’ll always land among His stars!
NOW LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
Self-Reflection
These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.
This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take the truths you discover about yourself and hold them up to the Light to evaluate them against who God says you are.
- How would you define someone who is a supporter (truthful, passionate, etc.)?
- Do you think God is supportive?
- If so, in what ways?
- If not, how could He be more supportive?
- Who would you say is your biggest fan(s)?
- Why do you consider them your biggest fan(s)?
- What sort of situations make you feel the most vulnerable?
- Why do you think they make you feel vulnerable?
Talk to God about your answers. Give Him praise, ask Him questions and then listen for His gentle response.
Take Action
Use God’s word to take control over the traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises in His word.
Here is a scripture for you to print, cut and carry with you and/or post in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”—Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
When you read God’s word say to yourself: God takes great delight in me! He dances and sings over me, rejoicing in me! He’s a warrior who saves me and He is my God, my spiritual Father who is with me always and forever.
