In my Father’s Arms 

It was a joyous day yesterday as my children and grandchildren took me on an excursion to a heritage village museum.  It was a place we had toured together when my children were young and it was restorative to spend time together there again.  Our day took us through many old buildings and farm sites and we had great fun rambling through the extensive site. 

One of the members of our party was my three-year-old granddaughter.  She did really well throughout most of the day, but as the heat increased and the steps taken were many, my granddaughter began to wear out. 

In her grumpy state her mother picked up her daughter and cuddled her.  As they walked together, my granddaughter relaxed in her mother’s embrace.  She was safe and loved – she was good. 

I think that is why I love the picture of Jesus holding a lamb.  I am that sheep and I can rest in the comfort of my Saviour’s loving care.  I feel the same sense of security that my grandchild does with her mother. 

We are never out of our Saviour’s loving reach.  I know, some days it feels like He is far away but He truly isn’t.  Often, we sabotage ourselves when we get angry at God for not being there in the way we want, when we want, rather than looking to Him for support no matter what happens and trusting He will do as He says. 

The Old Testament Israelites were no better.  As they prepared to go into the Promised Land and face its residents, they had many misgivings and fears.  God gave them this message: 

“Then I said to you, ‘Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them.  The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as He did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes and in the desert.  There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.’” (Deuteronomy 1: 29-31 NIV) 

As the Israelites slugged through the desert years, God provided what they needed to survive.  When it came time to enter the Promised Land, God also gave them the means to succeed and make a home there.   

In our busy lives it is easy to forget the examples, such as these, where we have seen God’s hand at work.  We barrel through life without heeding God’s direction.   

All we need to do is ask and we are enveloped in our Lord’s loving embrace.  We can relax and rest assured that all will be well.  The storms of life might still be there, but our Lord holds us secure and He will not let go. 

My friend, as you face the challenges of your day, rest in the arms of the One who holds you and all the universe in His hands.  All is secure.  All is well.  No matter what life throws our way, we can run into our Lord’s arms and we will be safe. 

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