"COME SIT WITH ME FOR A WHILE."

Years ago, my brother-in-law had two delightful fur-babies: Tucker, the effervescent and lovable Schnorkie (Schnauzer/Yorkie) and Ford, the curious and very cautious cat. During one of our visits, Ford and Tucker vied for time with me in the living room recliner. Sibling rivalry was often presented with a snort from Tucker or a quick swipe of Ford’s paw to claim cuddle territory. 

One morning, Ford was earnestly meowing outside my bedroom door. When I checked to see what he wanted, he led me to where I usually sit, and promptly jumped on the recliner, as if to say, “Come sit with me.” Tucker was close behind and nudged his way in for the same spot. 

Our pets depend on us for their everyday needs, but what they want and need most from us is connection, affection, and love, which they generously give without measure. God, who created the universe, does not need us, yet He created us to enjoy a loving connective relationship with Him. Thus, He extends the invitation, “Come sit with Me for a while.”

Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door (of your heart), and knock: if any man hears My voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). This is a beautiful picture of the Lord’s tremendous love for us and His great desire to fellowship with us each day.

In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve to enjoy an everlasting and loving relationship with Him. Each day, He walked in the Garden and communed with them. But this one day, “the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:8-9 NIV). God knew exactly where they were and what they had done, yet in their sin, they tried to hide from Him.

It is difficult to fathom why they exchanged the privilege and joy of daily being in the physical presence of God—for the enemy’s false promises that they could be like God? But Satan has not changed his strategies. He is still conning people into accepting lies as truth.

God had generously provided for all their needs—with one stipulation—they were to tend the Garden and obey Him. Unfortunately, Satan poisoned their minds with unbelief and distrust of God. So, they put their faith in Satan (the father of lies) and believed that God was withholding good things from them. Thus, they saw no reason to obey God’s explicit instructions not to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Adam and Eve’s rebellion brought about humanity’s eternal separation from their Creator. Thankfully, Christ’s magnanimous love was so great that He willingly took our punishment on the Cross. And with His last breath, He said one word, “Tetelestai,” which in Greek means, “It is finished; “Paid in full.”

Jesus Christ paid our debt that day on Calvary’s cross—a debt He did not owe. But for love, He willingly took our place so that our relationship with God could be restored. Now, He extends His hand twenty-four-hours every day to all who will place their trust in Him.

Pets have unreserved trust and are completely loyal to their master. Pet owners who love their pets, know the joy of arriving home and being summarily greeted with an excited wagging tail and showers of licks and kisses. Christians, who have a relationship with Christ, should have that same kind of joyful anticipation and excitement knowing that when we “…draw near to God, He draws near to us (James 4:8). It is only in His presence that we find fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). 

God’s presence goes with us and He gives us rest (Exodus 33:14). He promises to never leave nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5). “He listens to the godly person who does His will” (John 9:31) "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer” (I Peter 3:12). He is attentive to our prayers, but it is the enemy who tries to convince us that God does not hear us, nor does He care about our needs.

We revel in our pets’ generous affections and love for us. And God glories in our relationship with Him, as we respond to His call to spend time with Him. It is in those intimate moments with Him that we cultivate a genuine love and appreciation for Him. And as we build that loving relationship, we long each day for His sweet invitation that beckons us to, “Come sit with Me for a while.”  

PRAYER: FATHER, today, I surrender afresh all that I am to You. Forgive my sins and my resistance to obey You. Help me to seek You and Your will with my whole heart, because each day is a precious gift and an opportunity to grow in faith and learn Your many truths while enjoying sweet fellowship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.