Arms of Love
“Like a swallow, like a crane, so I twitter; I moan like a dove; my eyes look wistfully to the heights; O Lord, I am oppressed, be my security.” Isaiah 38:14 (NAS)
It was one of those picture-perfect spring days quite a number of years ago, when I was visiting a friend whose home was situated on a lake. We had decided to sit outdoors so we could just soak up the beauty of the day. My friend’s little boy was playing contentedly in his playpen, unaware that his mommy had gone into the house for a few minutes.
When he looked up from his play and realized that she was gone, his little eyes filled with fear. Suddenly the peaceful surroundings became for him a frightening place. His security was gone, and he lowered his head in despair and just sobbed.
Quickly I went to him and bent down to lift him up. He reached up, wrapped his arms tightly around my neck and buried his head in my shoulder. Held tightly in my arms he began to feel secure, and his crying gradually subsided.
I thought about how often lately I have been in that frightening place, when all that I thought was my security had slipped away. I have looked around in fear and felt that feeling of despair, of having no place to hide.
If I am wise, I will look up and see my Father’s arms extended in love toward me. I have only to run into those arms and hide in Him to find peace, rest and security. I may still be in the same place, but I am safe. I hear Him gently say:
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NAS)
Father, how I thank You that Your arms are always extended toward us. Help me to remember that no matter what the circumstances, You are my security.
Oh, how true, Linda. Yes, our Lord’s arms are the best place to be when we don’t know where else to turn. We this world seems to crush in on us, He is our comfort and security.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us this morning…
Wow, I had those same thoughts yesterday watching a little one at the pool with her Daddy. The security of those big, strong Daddy arms was all she needed in that frightening water.
What a great reminder, Linda, and such appropriate and powerful Scripture verses.
Amen, thank you I needed to read this today.
So very true, bless you.
Linda, sometimes I am in a fearful place in my heart even if the circumstances don’t even seem fearful…and I have reached out to God in the same way and He reached back.
Beautiful…
Thank you for your honest and beautifully-written post today.
Oh how I needed to read this as I prepare for the “empty-nest”. Thank-you so much and God bless you…
Thank you for sharing that with us. I love what you said about being in the same place, but our heavely Father is with us. Thank you. That brings peace to my heart, especially at this time. God bless.
Thank you for this post Linda, especially the prayer. I really needed it today.
Oh Linda,
Isaiah 41:10 is one of my favorite verses. It seems many of us are in this fearful place today. The world has gone mad and every day appears more frieghtening. I rest in the Lord. Thank you for these words.
Love you. Hugs!