When our daughter Hannah was an infant, I had to take her to the hospital for tests. What should have been a routine procedure quickly turned into a traumatic event. The nurse was having trouble drawing enough blood from Hannah’s small feet, and had to poke her three times. Worse yet, the nurse asked me to restrain Hannah during the procedure. This was a painful experience as a dad, holding her down while she cried in pain. All I could do was whisper my love to her. When it was over, I took her in my arms and rested her head on my shoulder. Hannah instantly grabbed me with all her strength and held on tight. Within a few moments, her crying died down and the calm of being in her father’s arms came over her. There is no greater feeling than to have those tiny arms wrapped around you. She clung to me, expecting the protection, care, and love that only Dad can give.

The experience with Hannah made me think of what the psalmist wrote in Psalm 103:13. This is an awesome verse to me because, for a moment, I caught a glimpse of the intensity of God’s love for us. As my daughter held on to me, I understood a little of what God must feel when we come to Him with our whole heart. When we reach out to our heavenly Father, wrap our arms around Him, and hold on with all our might, His compassion for us is gentle. When we confess that He is all we’ll ever need—our all in all and our provider and protector—His heart is moved. Surrender to the Almighty God and catch a glimpse of His love for you.