This past weekend the family and cousins went to enjoy a day in Richmond.  Eventually, our travels took us to SkyZone, an indoor trampoline park. Everyone had fun until it was time to leave. My daughter, Ava, you remember her, right?  She wanted a slushee. We told her “no,” and the world imploded. I lovingingly picked her up and she kicked, cried, wriggled, writhed, twisted and flipped in my arms.

While I know she really wanted to be put down and go back inside, it’s interesting to me that she trusted my strength enough to do all those crazy acrobatics and not get dropped right on her head.

It took my memory back to when my son, Carsten was young. Carsten would climb on the couch and say, “I wanna get on your back, da.” Maybe he wants to reach something he can’t reach on his own, maybe he’s tired and wants a ride or perhaps he just wants to play. In all cases, he must know that I can handle what he needs.

Whether we are upset that life isn’t going our way, times come when we realize we can’t do life by ourselves, when we are tired and just want to rest in our Dad; we need to know that God can handle it all with ease.  God in Christ Jesus is our Strength, our Rock, and our Redeemer.  “…from where does my help come?  My help comes from the Lord who made Heaven and Earth…” (Ps 121:1)

I wonder how much better our lives and relationships with God would be if we were more willing to say, “I wanna get on your back, da.” God’s shoulders are strong and wide… he can handle all you can give. He has already provided you will all you need.

Jesus took all your sins, bore them on his shoulders, even to death on a cross.  Jesus is alive by the way…raised from the dead. Victory over death. Hmm…I think he can handle whatever we might need.

I was given this some time ago. We should remember it more often: Good Morning, This is God. I will be taking care of all your problems today. I will not need your help.  Have a nice day, I Love You.

Tim Beck is pastor of Kenbridge United Methodist Church. His email address is revtimbeck@gmail.com.