In The Shelter Of His Arms

“And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:16, NKJV))

It was a scene that doesn’t usually happen this way.  On my last flight a number of weeks ago, while waiting at the gate, I noticed the young family a couple of rows over with a little baby.  The baby was fretful, crying, and restless and seemed to be in one of those places where nothing would satisfy her!

But then, it happened!  The mother handed over the baby girl to the daddy!  He wrapped her in his arms, brought her in close to his chest and began to whisper in hushed tones. I don’t know what he said, I can only guess.  But what I do know is … slowly the baby settled down, crying turning to whimpering to a deep breath and off to sleep!

The Bible speaks often of God being our refuge, but it also speaks in other ways that as human beings we can identify with.  Like His hands … the same hands that fashioned mankind.  The Bible speaks of His arms and the safety and security of being wrapped in those arms

No I am not speaking of the eternal security of Calvinism; I am speaking of the deep sense of confidence in whose arms we are being embraced, those of the Heavenly Father!

I love babies … I love children … I love young people … I love older people!  But I really like babies.  Through the years, there have been so many opportunities doing local work and in the holding of gospel meetings, to hold little babies with the mother or father or both looking on so proud!

Yes, we’ve had our own babies and grandbabies … and each one of them is so special in every way.  Recently, I was afforded the opportunity to hold several babies, all in the same room, and all in the same family.  Was it chaotic at times?  What do you think?  Was it a time for hustling around … lifting … letting down … feeding … absolutely?

But what was really the blessing was the opportunity to rock each one of them, sometimes two at a time. No complaints on my part!  As with my own children and grandchildren, there is nothing more comforting than to be cradling a baby in your arms and feel them relax and nestle in!  What a wonderful thought!

As a baby reaches that time of day when it’s time for a bottle followed by a nap or a good night’s sleep … they might fuss, toss, wrestle, fret and be fitful, and even struggle to give in!  But when the eyelids droop, the finger wraps around one of yours or they reach up and feel on your face … take that last deep breathe before falling asleep!  God is so good, isn’t He to give us the blessing and privilege to hold and nurture our young!

As adults, we feel the same way, don’t we? Being in the loving arms of our loved ones and close friends is special!  When we walk on our journey of life there will be times when we stumble … we lose our balance … and we fall … when we need to feel His embrace!  Our loving Heavenly Father will pick us up with His loving arms!

We wrestle and fret and sometimes doubt finds its way into our hearts, minds and lives.  And if we are not careful, our adversary will whisper that God is too busy or truly not interested in our well-being.  And then … we wonder will the love of our Heavenly Father truly endure for the entirety of our lives and beyond! How can it be so?

Our loving, mindful and caring Father who never changes still says to us “Be quiet my child … rest in Me … trust Me “… with all of your heart, soul, strength and mind.”  My child, “Be still and wait on Me” … for “I will never leave you or forsake you!”

“When the sea is raging, and waves are crashing round.  When my heart is heavy and I’m swiftly going down.  Help me to remember, however rough the sea that underneath the current Your arms are holding me.

In Your arms You cradle me and make me feel secure.  In Your arms You’re showing me Your mercy will endure.  In Your arms You’re lifting me above the troubled sea.  I’ll be safe because I know Your arms are holding me.

When the storm has ceased it’s raging, the sun will still remain.  So until the shadows banish.  Your power will sustain.  For its there that I find refuge for I’ll be safe from harm.  The storm can’t overtake me in the shelter of Your arms.” (In Your Arms, Doyle Lawson)

“The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms!” (Deuteronomy 33:27, ESV)

Bill Fairchild, Jr.