Tickled by Jesus

Tucking Isabel in bed always invites interesting conversations. Sometimes we talk about monsters or where the sun goes to sleep. Usually we talk about God. Last night she told me she was afraid of her bed.

This has been a common complaint of late. She is the only one who sleeps on the second floor; Zach, Rick and I have our rooms on the first floor. I think she’s just lonely. Once we finish the other bedroom, Zach will be moving up there, too. In the meantime, we have to settle her fears.

I explained to her God is everywhere and He will protect her. “Who made the world?”

“God!”

“Right! And He’s the biggest and strongest and He loves you so much. Do you know where He is?”

“In the sky?”

“Nope. He’s right here beside you. He lives in Mommy’s heart. He’s downstairs with Daddy and Zach, too. He’s all around us and He will protect you because He loves you.”

At this point she started giggling. “Jesus is tickling me!” That was the end of her fears for the night.

“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.” — Psalm 16:8 (NLT)

God’s closeness is a wonderful abatement for fear, but it is more than that. I smile at the intimacy of Isabel’s statement: “Jesus is tickling me!” To understand how close God is, to believe He’s tickling you … what a wonderful thing! My mom uses the word “tickles” for delightment. It could be a simple thing said or the way a craft project comes together. If it makes her happy, it tickles her. If anything should delight us, it should be God.

In order for us to be tickled by God, we need to recognize His presence, but we also need to be close to Him. Spend some time with Him today and see how He can tickle your heart.