I want you to cover me..

It was a simple scenario. My 5 year old daughter and I were on our porch waiting for the bus to arrive. It was a little chilly and I had even decided to put a light sweater on her. But when I asked if she wanted to wait inside, her reply was sweet and pleading: "No, I want you to cover me."

I immediately brought her into my arms and 'covered her' as best as I could. I also immediately thought of how much I long for my Heavenly Father to cover me.. and how thankful I am that he does.

His response is swift; without hesitation. His response is automatic because of his great love for us; he doesn't stop to think about whether or not we deserve it. He simply acts:

When we call, he is there.
When we cry for mercy, he forgives.
When we are desperate for healing, he sends forth his word and heals.
When we need direction, he guides.
When we are grieving, he comforts.
When we are despised and rejected, he defends and cherishes.
When we are empty, he fills to overflowing.
And when we plead for his covering, he covers us.

I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand —
I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to [you], 'You are my [daughter]'. ~ Isaiah 51:16