God's Glory Church

“The Lord your God…will rejoice over you in joy…” – Zephaniah 3:17

Researchers from Emory University decided to study the brains of grandmothers using MRI. They measured the reactions of elderly women to images that included pictures of their own grown children, grandchildren, and strangers’ babies. The study showed that grandmothers felt the strongest feelings when they saw their grandchildren. Scientists called it the “charm factor”. Grandmothers have stronger feelings for their young grandchildren than they do for their adult children.

Before you say: “Indeed,” let’s think about the words of James Rilling, who conducted research: “If the grandchild smiles, the grandmother feels the child’s joy, and if he cries, his pain is transmitted to her.”

One of the biblical prophets seems to present readers with a picture of the feelings of God, who looks at His people:

“The Lord, your God… he will be comforted by you in joy, renew his love, he will be comforted by you with singing!” (Zeph. 3:17). Another translation says: “His heart will be filled with joy… He will sing loudly about you.” Like a loving grandmother, the Lord feels our pain and shares our joy.

When we grieve, let us remember that the Lord has strong feelings for us. He is not an indifferent or aloof God, but He who loves us and rejoices over us. Let’s get close to Him, feel His love and listen to His song.

Why do you think God shows favor to you? How do you feel about this?

God, help me to always remember Your feelings.

By: Kenneth Petersen (guest)