Cry Babies

Babies are maybe the cutest things on the face of the earth.  They're so small and sweet and make your heart melt when they gurgle and smile at you.  But that is not all they are. . . . . . .

Sometimes babies are a bundle of roiling self-centeredness and cry and cry to get their way!  We just tend to overlook this because they are so stinkin' cuddly.

Yes, sometimes those babies we love are cry babies.  The term we use to describe when someone is being selfish and just 'wants their way' comes from those little people that fill us with so much joy.  Kind of a paradox when you think about it.

The point I want to make today is that grown-ups can be cry babies too.  We all have seen them and when you do it becomes clear very quickly where they are coming from---they want something but can't get it.  This is an important thing to remember because often times when we are with those people our response is to just get frustrated right along with them instead of trying to see past the image and attitude that is being presented.

Just like a little baby that is crying and needs help, the older cry babies need help too, desperately, but they just don't look cute doing it anymore.

God, as always, is our answer to overcome our tendencies to be cry babies.  In Micah 6:8 we are told this: "He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

What wise words!  I love that God says to us that he has showed us how we should live.  Interestingly, as good as this sounds, when we see that in real life it isn't always as pleasing or inviting--here's what I mean:  if we find ourselves being a cry baby that means that we are wrestling with something inside us that is twisted, something not from or of God.  This causes us to see our world through those lenses of self-centeredness and the last thing we are able to do is to openly receive a good example of someone who is living as a good example of godliness.  When God shows us what it means to "walk humbly" (remember the passage says he 'shows us') instantly we feel convicted and usually lash out against the good example before us.  This can result in arguments and general unrest.

So what do we do?  First of all, don't forget that God already knows our struggle.  He is not shocked and he never despairs.  He always sees the answers that bring hope and change for people.  Also, he encourages us to remember that he always forgives and brings healing.  Admit to God where you are at--He can handle it and he wants to help.

Walk humbly before your God. . .easier said than done, especially if you have just showed the world your best cry baby routine!  But take hope today--no matter what issue, no matter what hurt or pain deeply buried in you that is twisting you up inside there is an open invitation to healing.  If this is resonating with you today the reason is that God is speaking directly to you and wants to free you so you can become one of the examples to world of what it looks like to walk humbly with Him. 

I hope that today you hear from God the message of healing that will bring you out of your struggle and into that humble walk with Him.

It's a good day for a stroll. . . .

BT