by Kala Loptien

Connected and Secure

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud Link.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
John 14:15-18 ESV

Let me first confess: I can’t take credit for the title. The Invisible String is a brilliantly-crafted children’s book. Two months ago, it left me a blubbery mess (What, no warning label on these things?).

Andrew and I provided Respite (short-term) Care for three foster kiddos in April (ages 6, 3 and 2). They lived a traumatic, transient life. First homeless and hungry. Now orphans. They bounced from place to place and landed on our doorstep for a week-long stay. Bedtime routine provided an especially-precious opportunity to connect and love on these children. God’s little lambs.

One night, a particular book caught the attention of the eldest sister. It was a new book for both of us. We sat on the bottom bunk—criss-cross-applesauce—and studied the pages together. We read about a mother, who comforted her son’s fears and separation anxiety by explaining their never-ending connection. The invisible string represents boundless, unconditional love.

Her eyes widened. Her mind was advanced, so I knew she was carefully connecting dots. I paused. She responded emphatically, “so…SO, I’m always connected to you and (she named a few other foster moms) with the invisible string!” Her response was so moving, I had a hard time keeping myself composed. “That’s right, sweetheart. We will always be connected because we love you,” I explained, voice cracking. Her blue eyes welled with tears and we cried together.

We are all wired with a desire to be known, to feel safe and to be affirmed by love—ultimate connection. In the 14^thchapter of John, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit—our advocate and comforter. He assuages fear and anxiety with a clear promise, saying, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” That means we never walk alone. This powerful, consuming connection exists because of God’s deep love for us. God sent His Son into the world as a living sacrifice. Our atoning hero and Savior fulfilled God’s plan to reconcile the world to Himself. The Spirit of truth is our connection, a direct (“invisible string”) line, and we have an all-access pass. The Father draws us because He deeply, unconditionally, unfathomably loves us. We are His handiwork. His presence and promises are undeniable when we remain in His Word–clinging to truth and fervent prayer as we surrender to His will in our lives. Our identity and our security are affirmed: we are fiercely loved, fully forgiven and forever His.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado