Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 ESV
From my earliest memories, my daddy’s mother was one of my three most favorite people in the world. Daddy and Momma took the top two spots, and Granny Holt was number three.
Her day started around 4:30 a.m. every morning and didn’t pause for a break until it was time for a quick lunch, followed by her daily time of Bible reading and prayer. Then it was on to afternoon chores, including working her large garden. Preparing dinner for the family followed. Day in and day out, with few exceptions, this was her routine throughout the week, except for Sundays.
I loved following Granny as she worked. She’d let me help even though I’m sure I slowed her down considerably. Throughout the chores, smiles and laughter were plentiful. Watching Granny cheerfully tackle her chores made work seem like fun.
What I loved most was after dinner, once the dishes were washed, towel-dried, and stacked again on the shelf, we’d sit on the front porch in the red metal glider. Granny’s always-swollen feet kept the glider moving gently.
Usually, my aunt would join us in the glider to report on her exciting day as a Bell Telephone operator in downtown Dallas. While Aunt Rita talked, Granny would run her fingers through my long blond hair, and I would snuggle close to her side, watching the day grow dimmer as the sun sank lower in the sky.
I felt deeply loved, safe, and happy, snuggled close to Granny… moments I cherish to this day.
Years later, my grandchildren arrived, and snuggling once again topped my list as a favorite thing to do with the “littles.” I wanted them to know and always remember that Mimi and Grandpa’s house was a safe, happy place filled with love, a place where they would always be deeply loved.
So, when I read God’s calls to His children to draw near to Him, I think of snuggling. I don’t think that’s disrespectful or irreverent – not at all. God revels in us, His children, when we figuratively snuggle close to Him: confident that we are safe in His presence, knowing we are greatly loved, and recognizing that He is the endless source of all joy.
One thing I learned from those snuggle times with the grandkids was the depth of joy I experienced. My goal was to show them how much I loved them, but their demonstrated love and joy in return was a tremendous blessing, much richer than I could have imagined. Their young hearts were sweet and honest; there were no underlying motives or intentions. They simply loved their Mimi because she loved them. And that was a delight to me. It was a new level of joy for me, a blessed gift from my loving Father.
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 ESV
In Isaiah 58, the people of Israel tried to draw close to God; they wanted to snuggle. But their hearts were duplicitous; they weren’t drawing close to God because they loved Him. They were trying to “snuggle up” and “make nice” with God because they loved what they knew He could do for them. There was no desire to draw close to God to experience the fullness of His love or to demonstrate their love for Him; they wanted to manipulate God.
There was no desire for God Himself, only for what He could give them.
God sees through us. He knows our hearts. He sees our motives.
God invites us to draw close to Him with hearts of love, appreciation for Who He is, and with deep gratitude for all that He has already done for us. If we draw near to God because we love Him, because we desire to enjoy His presence, and because we recognize that He is almighty God, He will receive us with open arms and draw us close to His heart.
These are the snuggles that bring joy overflowing; enduring peace of heart, mind, and spirit; abiding love; and hope eternal.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22 ESV