In God’s Time

“God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which he must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.”

― A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

Lord, you know that I get impatient, and I want answers now. Thank you for this reminder that you work on your schedule. You are wisdom and faithfulness, and you are in control. That’s all I need to know.

Secure in His Arms

Tonight I am wide awake.  My body is relaxed, my eyes are closed, and my breathing is deep and even.  But my mind is wide awake and running, running, running.  I am snuggled up against my husband, the back of my head and my neck resting on his arm. The tensions of the day stored up in the muscles of my neck and back slowly dissipate. The heat from his body keeps me warm, his deep, regular breathing soothes me, and the strength of his arm beneath my head makes me feel safe, secure, and loved.  Even though I am wide awake, I relish this time of peace and contentment.

As my body enjoys this wide-awake repose, my mind questions, “Isn’t this the way God wants you to rest in Him?”  His arms are always there, willing to provide my refuge, but how often I fail to turn to them.  Instead, I turn my back on His arms.  Then, the muscles of pride, self-reliance, and worry knot up, making me miserable.  If only I would turn to His arms and allow Him to take my burdens, He would ease my pain.  Often, I stay huddled far away from His warmth, cold and alone.  If only I would snuggle up to Him, His warmth would radiate into me.  If only I would listen to His voice and rely on His strength, I would know I am safe, secure, and loved.  “He tends his flock like a shepherd:  He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart”(Isaiah 40:11).

Father God, teach me to rest secure in your arms.

What about you? Are you resting securely in His arms?

Deuteronomy 33:27 “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” 

Open Arms

“If you had never known physical pain in your life, how could you appreciate the nail scarred hands with which Jesus Christ will meet you?”

-Joni Eareckson Tada.

I can imagine Him, walking toward me with outstretched arms, allowing me to see one way He suffered for me. Will I be ashamed because I didn’t glorify him and didn’t serve others in His name? Or will I run to Him with open arms?

A Child’s Walk with His Father

“Let’s go,” the father called to his four-year-old son.

Jimmy scampered over and reached his hand up for his dad’s firm grasp.  Eagerly he tugged on the strong arm, “Let’s go, let’s go,” he sang.

Small hand wrapped firmly in the larger hand, out the door they walked, down the sidewalk.  Jimmy hopped, skipped and gleefully noticed everything.  “Wow!  Look at that bird.  Look, look, an airplane.”  He paused to point and stare skyward.

A large German shepherd barked.  Jimmy jumped, edging closer to his dad.  “Daddy, I’m scared, carry me,” he pleaded.

“Don’t worry; I won’t let that dog hurt you.” Dad scooped Jimmy up and swung him onto his broad shoulders.

Soon they came to an intersection.  “Stop!” called Jimmy.  “Look left.  Look right.  Any cars?  No?  Okay, go,” just as his father had taught him.  Together they crossed the street.

 “Daddy, I want down.”  Once again, strong arms lifted Jimmy off his dad’s shoulders and set him on the sidewalk.

Jimmy loves to spend time with his dad.  With childlike faith, he puts his hand in the strong hand of his father, trusting him completely.  Together, they walk wherever the father chooses, knowing their time together is more important than the path.  Even though they utter few words, they communicate.  In times of difficulties or danger, the son instinctively draws closer to his father, who carries him.

In the same way the small child trusts his father on his walk, so we trust our heavenly Father on our life’s walk.  Trustingly, we place our hand in His.  We talk to Him, expressing our delight in what we encounter, and our fears of what lies ahead. No matter what, we confidently walk with Him on whatever path He chooses.  If we listen to His words and follow His advice, we know we will avoid danger, just like the child who learned to look both ways before crossing the street.  Will our walk always be pleasant?  No.  Will we ever become fatigued or frightened?  Yes.  Will there be times of great difficulties?  Of course.  But like a small child, we confidently look up and say, “Daddy, I need help, carry me.”  Whatever difficulties we face, our Father, who listens to our pleas, picks us up with his strong hands, swings us up on His broad shoulders, and carries us safely through life’s journey.

Father God, teach me to have child-like trust in You.

Psalm 16:11 (NIV) “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”