Because I Need Him

I found Luke crying in the playroom a few days ago, and when I asked him what was wrong, his reply was sweet: "I want my daddy." I tried comforting him, but he kept insisting that he needed his daddy to come home. I asked him if he could tell me why needed his daddy, and this was his simple response:

"I want him because I need him."

At the time, I had that "file-it-away" feeling, and knew I'd have to think about the depth of his reply again.

"I want him, because I need him."

I thought through what Luke meant. He didn't want his daddy to come home and do anything specific. He didn't need his diaper changed or to be fed; he didn't want to play a particular game or read a favorite book. He wanted his daddy to be home. That was all.

He wanted him because he needed him.

Oh, to be loved by a child! Or better, to love like a child. There's a Spiritual truth that was undeniable in what Luke was saying. I was convicted: Do I want God because I need Him? Or is it much cheaper than that? Do I only want God because I need Him to _________ (insert earthly desire here)? Often, the answer is yes. I want Him - not because of my undeniable need for Him, because I need something from Him. I'm not proud of that, but it's the whole, sinful truth.

Today my prayer has been that I would simply love like Luke, and that I would be able to say in any circumstance, that I want my Father, not because of my immediate need, but just because I need Him - and only Him.