“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  (Hebrews 4:16)

If we had access to the most powerful and influential man on earth, what would we request?

I’d ask for a personal escort for my son. Someone who could be with him when I couldn’t. A person who could protect him from others who seek to harm the vulnerable.

Sometimes our son, Chris, travels into a nearby large city. He rides on public transportation usually carrying several bags. Full of anything he might need.

His parting words are, “If I miss the last train out of the city, I’ll just sleep in the terminal.”

Those words meant to assure me, scare me to death. That’s precisely my fear. The death of our son. The terminal at night is no place to be if you want to remain safe and unharmed. Ghastly things go on when the trains shut down.

Chris feels safe in the knowledge he’s physically fit and has his black belt in karate.

When he leaves, I wonder if that will be the last time I’ll see him. I can’t control his surroundings. But I know One who can. So, I ask God to protect him.

What’s locked in your vault of secret desires? What are your unspoken needs?

Mothers who have children with mental illness carry additional cares in their bags of parental concerns. Maybe your secret desire is to have a companion. Someone to share the rough road you travel. Someone who won’t judge. Someone who will understand.

People with mental illness and their loved ones are still ostracized at times.

What does the Bible say about that? We find an example in leprosy.

Lepers experienced isolation due to an illness. Removed from society, they were left alone. Misunderstood. Not treated tenderly in their misery. Banished and shunned. Merely existing with others suffering from the disease.

How they must have yearned for a loving touch!

Along came Jesus. Who lovingly responded to their deepest need. A gentle touch.

He’s still reaching out to say, “I know how lonely you feel. How much you need a loving touch. I’m here with you in your journey.”

What’s your greatest need?