Parents who carefully observe their relationship with their children can see the connection between them and their children change from one of need to that of desire. We enjoy the love of need our children give us as they grow from infancy to adulthood. If we are good parents, we will teach our children to gradually become independent, self-reliant adults who no longer need us.

As our parent-child relationship evolves, we find a new form of love emerging. Our children leave the family home to establish their own home, but they still enjoy coming back to the home of their youth. This new relationship between parent and child carries its own rich rewards. To be needed is one important bond between people, but to be desired is even more wonderful.

We all recognize the fact that the Lord does not need us. He is totally self -sufficient. There is nothing we can do to compensate for some perceived deficit in Him. What is so wonderful in the Lord’s love for us is that it is a love of desire not a love of need.

Are you not rejoicing in this knowledge? Does not your desire for the Lord grow stronger as you reflect on this wonderful truth that you are wanted by your Creator? We are humbled by the knowledge our great God has no need of us and we are exalted by the knowledge He desires us.

I Am His, and He Is Mine
Loved with everlasting love,
Led by grace that love to know;
Gracious Spirit from above,
Thou hast taught me it is so!
O this full and perfect peace!
O this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease,
I am His, and He is mine.

Heav’n above is softer blue,
Earth around is sweeter green!
Something lives in every hue
Christless eyes have never seen;
Birds with gladder songs o’erflow,
Flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as now I know,
I am His, and He is mine.

Things that once were wild alarms
Cannot now disturb my rest;
Closed in everlasting arms,
Pillowed on the loving breast.
O to lie forever here,
Doubt and care and self resign,
While He whispers in my ear,
I am His, and He is mine.

His forever, only His;
Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss
Christ can fill the loving heart!
Heav’n and earth may fade and flee,
Firstborn light in gloom decline;
But while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine.

- George W. Robinson