Holding Joy

Her rich dark skin was perfect. Her smile made me forget all my worries. If I concentrate hard enough, I still hear her infectious laugh invade my senses.

Rwandan baby girl enrolled in our Child Survival Program

This little Rwandan child, only 3 years old, changed me profoundly. Her name was Arianne.

There is one in every country, every place you visit. One like Arianne. One child who seems to capture you in a way you didn’t think possible.

How could one little angel grab you when you barely just met?

You do not speak the same language, but the Father gives you a piece of His deep love, and in return, teaches you about Himself.

A few years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to stay in Rwanda at a home for children who were abandoned or orphaned. Every moment there felt alive with activity and serving.

One day, the Father gave me a rare moment of silence. The older children were at school, the babies were taking naps, and Arianne had just awakened from her rest. She crawled right into my lap and just held my hand, curled into a ball, and sucked her tiny thumb.

She didn’t try to talk to me or point at things. She was simply still in my arms.

It was exactly what I wanted. I did not need her to color me a picture or try to entertain me. I just wanted her to be with me!

That day, the Lord used Arianne to teach me a lesson: He wants us to come to Him, crawl in His lap, and just be still. There is no sweeter joy.

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. —Psalm 62:1–2, NIV

Prayer Lord, when life feels overwhelming, please provide ways for us to retreat and crawl into your lap. Thank you for wanting to spend time with us and for being the God who loves lavishly.

Read all the One in Spirit devotionals.