They were late getting to the bus yesterday morning as all the other kids at the stop were already on board but this little girl, about four years old and ‘cute as a button’, was still being walked to the stop by her grandpa while those of us in cars had to wait. He got there as fast as he could, gave her a quick hug, helped her put on her backpack, and then did the most interesting thing. He lifted her up with his strong arms under her armpits into the bus and over all the stairs. At that instant a song came to my mind...
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me!
(by James Rowe, 1912)
Why did Grandpa lift her into the bus? Perhaps he thought it would take less time, or he didn’t think she was able to climb fast enough on her own, or maybe it was just because he loved her and wanted to express his love to her by helping her out ‘just because’. I like to think it was the last one because I was thinking about my own Father who lifted me out of many dire situations and set my feet on a safe, sturdy spot. He’s such an amazing Father (Rom. 8:15 ) that I can’t think of a more perfect Dad in the whole world. He loved me before I even knew who He was (Rom. 5:8) and His love for me never fails me (Lam. 3:22 ).
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. Ps. 3:3
…You who lift me up from the gates of death, Ps. 9:13 NKJV
He also brought (lifted) me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. Ps. 40:2 NKJV
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Jm. 4:10
God can lift us up out of the troubles we are in as I can attest that He has done on some occasions (out of the miry clay). God can lift our spirits in the dark world that tries to oppress and depress us so easily (He lifts our head). Jesus lifts us out of deadness into abundant life (gates of death). The Lord will surely lift us up when we humbly surrender our lives to Him, daily, as we crucify the flesh (Gal. 5:24 ).
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love for us even when we were dead because of our offenses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavenly realm in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the limitless riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:4-7 ISV
We are walking to the bus stop of life. Our Father will get us there on time, we can count on that. He’ll make sure we’re prepared with our backpacks on, ready to go and give us a hug for support. Then He’ll pick us up, and with His strong, steady hands, He’ll position us over the troubles into that place of perfect peace and joy in Him.
Because He loves us!
Father,
thank You!
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me!