During worship recently, God graciously opened my eyes to glimpse His tender heart for me. I was a carefree young child, laughing and playing in Jesus’ presence. We splashed in a crystal-clear pond, made mud pies, and picked ripe, sweet fruit off the trees. I took a big bite of a juicy pear, and he smiled as I smushed it back into His mouth. I felt so safe and cherished.
Then, animals started gathering around us. A lamb nuzzled up under my arm. Chipmunks scampered, and a fawn gently took the fruit from my palm. Jesus smiled, showing me how much He enjoys lavishing love on all His creation. In these simple moments of connection,
I sensed the whisper of the Father saying, “This is what I want from you—your presence, your companionship. You don’t have to strive or perform to earn My love.”
At that moment, tears streamed down my face. Even though I wanted to show Jesus how much I loved Him in everything I did, He didn’t require it. It was like He wanted me to see the thick wrap of His love that was my constant—the only thing Father wants me to do is enjoy the gift of His never-changing love for me.
As 1 John 4:19 (NIV) says, “We love because he first loved us.” I can’t manufacture or earn God’s love—it’s freely given. My only response is to receive it and let it
soften my heart.
The vision powerfully illustrated Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28 (NIV), “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Like Martha, who was absorbed in her work, I often get preoccupied trying to serve God out of religious obligation (Luke 10:38–42).
But He doesn’t want my exhausting striving. Jesus simply wants me. He wants the gift of my presence, affection, and trust.
Intimacy with Jesus must be the center so His compassion can flow through me. I must accept Jesus’ invitation to sit together in the Father’s lap, fully loved and accepted, to realign my perspective before serving others.
As you read this issue, find your cozy space in the Father’s embrace to realign your life, relationships, and purpose with Jesus at the center. Walk daily in the revolutionary gift of His perfect love.
Love,
—Amber
Leading Hearts Founding Editor | Art Director
Get a free download of project single “Lead Me On” by Michaelah Weaver of The Keepers Co. from Amber and Lisa Burris Burns. Their award-winning book, Leading Ladies: Discover Your God-Grown Strategy for Success is available now. Find out more at leadingladies.life
