Safe in His arms

{New contributor Shannon Ames thinks I (Pete) tend to be a diabolical mischief causer. I think that’s harsh, and won’t retaliate by pointing out she spent the summer telling kids about her imaginary boyfriend Bobby… In all seriousness though Shannon is a great worship leader and passionate about sharing what God puts on her heart}
Much of my time lately has been spent with little children. These little guys have many adorable (as well as exasperating!) traits. One of their traits I find most endearing is how much they love to snuggle. It may be that they are the children who would just rather sit on my lap and read a book than play with the group. Or it might be that they’re the crazy hooligans running around and tackling each other like maniacs for most of the day, but at some point in the day even these hooligans need a moment to relax, recoup, and snuggle. One particular little one, an adorable toddler, was sitting in my lap just the other day reading a book. From time to time he would look up into my face expectantly (and adorably), waiting for a smile or a kiss – some kind of extra attention.
I love to give it. And he loves to receive it.My mind went back to this moment when I was reading my devotional tonight. Let me share it with you (and forgive the “King James English”):

“My child, lean thy head upon My bosom. Well I know thy weariness, and every burden I would lift. Never bury thy griefs, but offer them up to Me. Thou wilt relieve thy soul of much strain if ye can lay every care in My hand. Never cling to any trouble, hoping to resolve it thyself, but turn it over to Me; and in so doing, ye shall free Me to work it out.” (excerpt from Come Away My Beloved, by Frances J. Roberts)

“Lean thy head…” back upon my Father’s chest.
How much I long to look up into Jesus’ face with such expectancy – just like a trusting toddler, waiting for the attention, the smile, or the kiss that I am certain is coming. This is how I want to trust my heavenly Father. This is how sure I want to be about my Father’s love. I want to know that I am held by someone bigger and stronger than me. Someone safe.
Some of us need to know that we’re held. And some of us need a reminder – a reminder that we’re already held by our heavenly Father, yes, but even more than this, that we can look back into the face of the One who holds us with anticipation of his unfailing love and deep care for us.
Father, remind me of my safety in the palm of your hand. Let me feel your embrace, and lead me into deeper faith and trust, and assurance of your love.
You will be safe in His arms
You will be safe in His arms
‘Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart
This is the promise He made
He will be with You always
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms
….
These are the hands that built the mountains
the hands that calm the seas
These are the arms that hold the heavens
they are holding you and me
These are hands that healed the leper
Pulled the lame up to their feet
These are the arms that were nailed to a cross
to break our chains and set us free
“Safe”
-by Phil Wickham