He Likes Me?

 From Miriam Webster:

¹like

 verb \ˈlīk\

: to enjoy (something) : to get pleasure from (something)

: to regard (something) in a favorable way

: to feel affection for (someone) : to enjoy being with (someone)

liked lik·ing

Full Definition of LIKE

transitive verb

1

chiefly dialect :  to be suitable or agreeable to <I like onions but they don't like me>

2

a :  to feel attraction toward or take pleasure in :  enjoy<likes baseball>

b :  to feel toward :  regard <how would you like a change>

3

:  to wish to have :  want <would like a drink>

4

:  to do well in <this plant likes dry soil> <my car does notlike cold weather>

intransitive verb

1

dialect :  approve

2

:  to feel inclined :  choose, prefer <leave any time you like>

It was interesting.  I had a conversation recently that caused me to look up the word “like”.  I really didn’t find anything unexpected or earth-shattering in the definitions above.  But, the reaction I had to the word during that conversation has caused me to sit and ponder it a bit.  Looking back on it, I’ve had really similar reactions to the word in several conversations (all different people but the same topic) over the last several years.  I was sharing with a friend how much God really “likes” them. The response was off the charts!  You would have thought I went and grew a third eye on my face right in front of this person by their look.  It was sort of comic, really.  It started out as flat out disbelief, incredulity, then a sort of “could it be possible?” morphing into a sort of “nah, you’re just pulling my leg”.  But all through, they kept looking at me as though I was somewhat crazy, as though the idea that God could actually like them was beyond belief! 

It’s even more interesting – believe it or not – that the same people who have acted rather shocked that God could really like them are ready enough to believe that He loves them. Maybe it’s the “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16) verse that has them convinced that he generally loves, because, well…He loves the whole world! But, they think, "Not really ME just as and for myself".  Or maybe it’s the idea that He loves everyone – He’s God – He has to, it’s in His nature and character!  But it’s only that sort of, "I love you because I have to (I’m loyal)" and mostly that translates to “I put up with you” in their hearts.  After all, you may “love” your Uncle Mort.  He’s family and you love your family.  Doesn’t mean you want to spend countless hours with him or take him on vacation with you every year. But, you would help him, can put up with his corny jokes or crabby rants during the holidays or visiting.  You have a loyalty to him.  But liking – that’s a whole different category.  Liking someone involves actually preferring their company and looking forward to being with them for themselves! 

Some people may not believe it - But God actually does like people.  I found this out very personally over the last few years myself.  Though I’ve always had a sense that God loves me – I didn’t really believe He personally preferred me.  Oh, I knew that He committed everything in and through Jesus so that I could spend eternal life with Him (hey, I know John 3:16).  But in my heart, on an ordinary day of the week – what exactly did God loving me look like?  Yes, He brought the sun up, gave me my every breath, food, people, etc… Believe me – I’m grateful and very thankful for each and every thing. But still, aren’t those things He is, being God (The Creator)?  I didn’t have a very deep understanding of how seriously God takes relationship – His and mine.  He is completely in – fully committed – and deeply engaged.  I started to see, through some very difficult encounters where I had to rely heavily on God, because I had no ability to defend or protect myself.   He showed up BIG – I will tell you.  I had such a season of discovery about who God is for me, personally, and truly – I’m still in it!!  And, I will tell you it changed and still is changing how I see people and things and myself and certainly, chiefly - GOD!!  I no longer just talk in generalities about God’s affection, attention and interaction with and for people.  I know that He specifically cares and longs for people to spend time with Him.  Please don’t mistake me – God does not “need” me or other people.  However, He wants me and He wants other people too.  Experiencing that – it was huge for me!  He doesn’t just put up with me – He relishes time with me and enjoys me.  And, GUESS WHAT?  I CAN ENJOY HIM TOO!!  Shocking!! Who knew?  He looks forward to our time together and He’s always attentive to me – even when I’m wandering about completely oblivious (I am quite a Magoo at times).  I want to learn to enjoy Him more and He's teaching me, cause that's what I'm made for!

Does this touch your heart?  I think it touches about everyone’s heart I’ve discussed it with. Significance – everyone is searching for theirs.  When you discover it’s in God – there is no bigger surprise or joy!  After all, THE CREATOR of all things WANTS to spend time with YOU and actually LIKES YOU? Ha ha! WOWEE!  I’M ON TOP OF THE WORLD!!  I’m not important enough to get 2 seconds with Bill Gates, but GOD, the one who knows me better than I know me (the maker of Bill), I can have all day every day with Him in the joy of His company.  Whew – my brain gets twisted THINKING ABOUT THAT!!

It’s Valentines Day again this week.  I’d just like to put it out there for those who don’t really get this – think about it, God liking you.  Ask Him and spend some time listening!!  I guarantee, you will marvel at the answer.