My dwelling place

Today I was flipping through some of my baby photos, and I came across one of Dad holding me... and as I looked at the pose I thought of how it must have felt, as a little child, to be held in my father's warm, protective arms. Little children are vulnerable and are born to sense the loving gentleness in an embrace; those without a pair of outstretched arms grow up to be detached, distant, and often have difficulty searching for comfort in the right places.

And isn't it the same in our spiritual lives? Regardless of our attitudes or oftentimes our attempts to shut out Christ, we daily long for His arms to run to... to hold us, and shut out the chaotic world around us. And what a wonderful promise that He gives to us in Isaiah 40:11;

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”

How comforting to know that he is holding us in His ever-present embrace; even when we are not aware of it. And though God promises to avenge the wicked, His manner towards those who have accepted Him as their heavenly father is completely different. He promises to love us, protect us, and provide for us despite the evils that surround us.

Often this promise of security is mistaken for constant physical blessings in our lives; and when confronted with hardship we become either confused or angry at the God who promised to provide for us. How easy it is lose sight of His love and push Him away, when all along He was carrying us through the hard lessons!

No, our God is not a feminine one. He is strong, mighty, and causes even His closest followers to fall trembling at His voice. As we continue to learn about His character and practice following His lead, let us never lose sight of His unconditionally love, and never ending embrace.

Deut. 33:27

The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.