Look! Look! Look!

Kids are so funny!

I'll bet you did it; I did too; and so did my kids.

"Look, daddy, watch this! Look!"

Children crave the attention of their parents.

They want the hugs and kisses. They want the treats and gifts. Without even a thought, they want a warm bed, good meals, and adequate clothing...and they desperately want attention.

Children want their parents to see their achievements whether it is balancing on one foot, coasting on their bike with no hands, jumping off the 'third' step, or flying (laying belly-down in a swing). "Look, mommy, I'm flying!"

Kids figure out how to make us turn and look. If we are uninterested in their balancing act, jumping, and flying, they might even try an assortment of misbehaviors. (Subconsciously: "That'll make him look up from his phone!") The fact remains, they want our attention and they will find a way.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a little child desiring God's attention? Have you ever felt a craving for God to turn and look your way, just wanting to know that he has noticed you? I think we intuitively understand that securing God's attention is good and beneficial. We know in that moment that we are accepted.

There was a famous 'governor' of Jerusalem who craved God's attention. It was a difficult time for the Jews. The people had returned to Jerusalem after being captive in the land of Babylon for 70 years. They had rebuilt the city, but her walls were still unfinished making the people vulnerable to their enemies.

Nehemiah, the city's governor, took charge and led the people in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He was an unusual leader in that he did not demand the governor's food allowance but shared with the people. He was not arrogant when he prayed:

     Remember me, O my God, for good
     according to all that I have done for this people.
   --Nehemiah 5:19

Though a grown man and a great leader, Nehemiah approached God as if a little child, "Look! See what I have done."

To gain God's attention is a thrilling thought. He is far superior to kings and dignitaries; far superior to men and women of wealth; far superior to men and women of power...far superior to anything created.
God...Creator!

Call out all you want, "Look, God, Look!"; there is a way to get His attention. You will find it to be an almost 'knee-jerk' reaction from God. He tells us how to draw His attention, how to make Him turn and look:

     But to this one I will look,
     To him who is humble and contrite of spirit,
     And who trembles at My Word.
     --Isaiah 66:2

Mark Stinnett