When a child comes into this strange new world, he or she is completely dependent on the care of its parents. When a baby shows signs of distress or discomfort the parent brings comfort and assurance through touch, soothing words, hugs and so on. Thousands of these verbal and nonverbal interactions take place during the first couple of years of the baby’s life. Each reassuring action sends a nonverbal promise:” You are not alone. I will take care of you. I love you. You have nothing to be afraid of because I will protect you. You belong to me.” These consistent messages build a necessary foundation of safety and confidence within the child. This produces a positive bonding called, secure attachment. This positive attachment provides the best foundation for mental growth, developing language and controlling emotions.
The care given to infants and young children when facing uncertainty, or distress teaches them that pain is temporary and distress can be relieved. What is interesting is that with this care during the early years of development the brain develops certain circuitry and areas of the brain to be wiser and more compassionate when receiving positive reassurance rather than developing a more reactive, self-preservation mode of the brain.
This development and attachment are God’s design for us to live in a fallen world. “Each promise kept increases our ability to trust and enhances our sense that life’s troubles are manageable.” (W. Jesse Gill, PSY.D)
Now, we may not be children nor can we change how our parents responded to our needs in infancy. However, this speaks loud and clear about God’s (our Father) promise to His children. Hebrews 13:5-6 God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Our heavenly Father, Dad, Papa, hears our every cry of distress, worry, anger, emptiness, sadness, fear and more. Sometimes His comfort and reassurance come through His word, an inspired worship experience or through another person. While parents are imperfect and so is our care, God is perfect and never misunderstands our plea. Each answer to prayer, the supply of our needs builds the foundation that Jesus will never leave nor forsake us. He is indeed our helper and protector overseeing everything in our daily loves.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Sunday 1, 9:00 Morning worship and Holy Communion. Sermon: Wonder Bread