Precious to God

Last week was the first anniversary of my dad’s death. In some ways, it seems unreal that he has been gone for a year. At other times, it seems he has been gone even longer. This past week, as I reflected on the things I appreciated about my father, I realized that growing up, I never thought about whether my dad loved me.

As a young man, I did not realize what a gift my parents’ love was. It was only after I went to college and met a friend who was not secure in his parents’ love that I realized not everyone enjoyed the security of a parent’s unconditional love. Until that moment, I had taken my dad’s love for granted.

I am not suggesting my relationship with my father was perfect, nor that my college friend’s relationship with his parents was horrible. However, as a boy, I consistently felt safe in my parents’ love, while my friend regularly questioned his relationship with his parents and struggled with self-esteem.

Everyone wants to know they have value. If we feel worthless, it affects our attitude and actions in many negative ways. Those who never recognize their self-worth always struggle to believe they have value. While no one ever has a perfect relationship with their parents, I think most children grow up knowing they are loved.

Knowing we matter to God can have a powerful impact on us. Frequently in scripture, God communicates his love, but this week, one relatively unknown passage caught my attention for the way it dramatically expresses this love. “‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said, ‘for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!’ As he spoke these words to me, I (Daniel) suddenly felt stronger and said to him, ‘Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.’” (Daniel 10:19, NLT)

Knowing we are loved is foundational; however, the specific words in this passage are especially encouraging when we read that Daniel was “very precious to God.” What a tender emotional statement by Daniel acknowledging how God had strengthened him.

Fortunately, this is not the only time God says he loves us. The most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16, begins, “For God so loved the world…” In 2 Corinthians 6:18, God says, “I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters…” (NLT) God demonstrates his deep love for us as our Father.

What God told Daniel centuries ago still relates today, for as he loved the Old Testament prophet, God also offers us his love and strength. Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to find comfort and security in our relationship with him, for as he says, we are “very precious” to him.