My heart needs a surgeon My soul needs a friend So I'll run to the Father Again and again And again and again Around the age of twelve, I started leading worship at my church. It brought so much life to my spirit. After I would lead, I remember God would speak to me every time, “I'm really proud of you.” His affirmation meant everything to me. And as I've gotten older, it still does. I've discovered there's nothing that compares to hearing and believing who God says I am. Now, I had a great relationship with my dad growing up and I have amazing leaders in my life. The reality is, however, they're not perfect. And no matter what your earthly father or the leaders in your life are like, I'm sure they haven't been perfect either. They can leave gaps, the areas where they didn't provide what you needed. But those gaps can be filled when the foundation of your identity is sourced by your perfect Heavenly Father. I've experienced this firsthand. I've seen God, the Father, fill in my gaps. My parents divorced before I was born and there have been so many moments, as a husband and father, I didn't know what to do. I'll be parenting or talking to my wife, Kari, and feel ill-equipped on how to handle the situation. But it's in those moments the Holy Spirit provides the wisdom I need. The Father brings insight, grace, and knowledge I didn't have in and of myself. And He wants to do the same for you. We can find our hearts needing a surgeon, needing a healing touch of God. We can find our soul needing a friend, needing someone who can handle the thoughts and emotions we don't know how to process or make sense of. It's into this void God wants to speak. He wants to build relationship with you as your affirmer, protector, provider, encourager, and healer. He wants to reveal who He made you to be so you can do what He has called you to do. It starts with recognizing your need for Him. And, when you do recognize it, run to Him! The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18, ESV Based on the song Run To The Father by Cody Carnes. Original post available from YouVersion.

Every heart carries its share of burdens - questions that echo in the stillness, wounds that seem slow to heal, and battles that feel unending. In moments of vulnerability, where do we turn? Cody Carnes' song Run to the Father provides a poignant reminder of the refuge we have in the embrace of our Heavenly Father. "I've carried a burden For too long on my own I wasn't created To bear it alone." These opening lines acknowledge a truth many of us grapple with: the self-imposed need to carry our burdens alone. Society often glorifies self-reliance and stoicism, but the kingdom of God offers a different perspective - one of dependency, trust, and surrender. The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 paints a vivid picture of a Father's heart. A wayward son, after squandering his inheritance, finds himself destitute and broken. Yet, in his lowest moment, he recalls the warmth of his father's house. With trepidation, he decides to return, not expecting a warm welcome but hoping, at the very least, for a position as a servant. What he receives, however, defies all expectations. Much like the prodigal son, there are times when we feel distant, unworthy, or ashamed to approach God. Yet, the Father's response remains unchanged. He doesn't just wait passively; He actively seeks, watches, and runs toward us with open arms. So, what can we glean from the heartfelt lyrics of "Run to the Father" and the comforting story of the prodigal son? 1. Unwavering Love: The Father's love isn't contingent on our performance, our past, or our shortcomings. His love is constant, patient, and ever-reaching. As the song declares, *"My heart needs a surgeon, my soul needs a friend. So, I'll run to the Father again and again and again and again."* His arms remain open, ready to heal, restore, and renew. 2. The Call to Surrender: We weren't designed to navigate life's challenges alone. The Father invites us to cast our cares upon Him, to surrender our worries, fears, and failures, trusting in His perfect care and provision. 3. Restoration and Renewal: The prodigal son's return wasn't just about forgiveness; it was about restoration. The Father restores his position, his dignity, and his joy. When we run to our Heavenly Father, we too find restoration - a mending of what's broken and a filling of what's empty. Today, as the melody of "Run to the Father" fills your heart, let it be a gentle nudge, a divine invitation. No matter where you are on your journey, whether on mountaintops of victory or valleys of despair, know that the Father's heart beats for you. His gaze is set on the horizon, eagerly awaiting your return. In moments of uncertainty, when the weight feels too heavy to bear, remember you have a Father who is ready and waiting. With love that knows no bounds and arms that never tire, He beckons: "Come, my child, run to me." And as you take that step, you'll find Him running toward you, ready to embrace, to comfort, and to love.Luke 15:20 - "So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."

Life is like the race of life. How well are you running? Do you get involved in life, helping others, changing your attitude if necessary, and not giving up if you feel defeated in life with its hurdles and problems? The Apostle Paul, in another of his letters in the Bible, put it like this: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”. Find chord charts and vocal sheets for the congregation or worship choir on the theme of running.