The power of a hug is a real tangible thing. There have been actual studies and articles written on this topic such as “7 Reasons Why There Should Be More Hugging” or “A Hug a Day Keeps the Doctor Away”.

There’s the one arm hug, the soft back pat hug, the group hug, the big “bear” hug, the full embrace hug and the exhale hug. All these hugs typically require two or more people be present. While I didn’t read all of this in an article, I know it to be true based on my hugging experience with different people in my life.

The exhale hug is my favorite because it feels more special. It a hug that feels like genuine care is shared, where it feels safe, and it’s an acknowledgment that you’re not alone. It’s a hug felt deeply which allows a moment to…exxxxhaallleee.

When this type of hug is received from someone in our lives it a precious thing but here’s something that may surprise you: it’s also a hug that can come from our Lord, which is another reason it’s my favorite.  During a recent tear-filled quiet moment with the Lord, he asked me an intimate question.

When’s the last time you let Me hug you?

Picture that for a minute. A sweet embrace from our Lord that makes you exhale. Exhale all the uncertainty, or stress or worry or hurt or __________fill in the blank.

Now, a hug from Jesus may come in any variety of ways, it’s all in how we choose to see it and receive it. Do any of these sound familiar?

• The lyrics in a song that speaks to our spirit
• A scent that recalls a memory and warms our heart
• A photo that falls out of a book and tells a story from a time and place that was full of love and fun
• The laughter of a child after a long day that reminds us of what’s most important
• At the perfect moment a call or text from a sister/dear friend that reminds us we’re thought of
• The exact sermon/scripture that is feels like it was meant just for us

Next time one of these or something similar happens, take a moment and let Jesus hug you. He is always present, always wants to be with us, talk with us and he wants to hug us.

One last tidbit on hugs that is extremely hard for me personally. It is ok to ask for a hug, not only from Jesus but from those closest to us.

It can feel odd even vulnerable to say, “I need a hug”, but God intentionally places people in our life to share with. This includes giving and receiving hugs to and from those we love and care for. Think of special relationships/friendships throughout the Bible like Jesus and his mother Mary or Joseph and Mary, David and Jonathan or Ruth and Naomi. Do you imagine as real human beings with love, laughter, hurt feelings and hardships that they didn’t hug?

Lord, thank you for tangible hugs in the flesh from those You put in our lives. Thank You for the sweetness of Your embrace in those moments when we can exhale, may we recognize You and feel Your presence, knowing without any doubt it was You.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

This week’s playlist:

Run To The Father

Cody Carnes

Million Little Miracles

Elevation Worship and Maverick City

Just Be Held

Casting Crowns