My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8
God is the One who completes us, who makes us whole. When we are aware of His place in our lives, without need, we do not long for anything or anyone else to fill what God has already satisfied. We are valued by Him, and nothing and no one else should matter.
One way we know God values us is through the attention He gives us in tending to our needs, whether those needs are physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. His attention can be seen in His presence, His care, and His protection. We are safe and satisfied in His arms, held.
As an extension of the Father, we also help care for and meet the needs of one another, especially when we are in a position of responsibility, like a parent, or a place of authority, like a pastor, or a place of power, like a king. When we give attention to those under our care, we communicate their value to us. It’s not to replace the attention they have from God, but it can confirm it.
What happens when we go through a trial and we feel lack or loneliness? Consider Job. He prayed and God was silent. Job searched for God and couldn’t find Him. I think God wants us to endure, keeping our trust in our Keeper. Trials can refine our faith, our character, and our purpose, when we yield to the Lord during those times. When we go through trouble, we must hold onto the One who is holding onto us.
One temptation in troubling times, when we wonder where God is, is to look for someone or something to complete us. Maybe we don’t our value to Him. In those times, we could long to look elsewhere for attention for companionship, care, or even to feel safe. If the thing or the person we turn to is trustworthy, they will point us back to God. If the thing or the person is not trustworthy, you are at risk for harm. You may want their attention, but they may not be worthy of yours.
You are made for love, to be cherished and guarded, so no matter what you go through, cling to God. Don’t be so desperate for attention, that you behave badly to get the wrong kind of attention. If you are in a position of strength, don’t take advantage of the weak. Look to God.
Application: Do you know someone who needs attention? Do they need a safe place? Do they need care? Do they need a friend? Show them their value to God and to you by helping to care for them and point them to Jesus. God will come through, and He may want to come through, through you.