In the Loving Arms of the Father

Working through the process of bringing our next CD together has allowed me special bonus time with many family members. This is particularly true of my east coast family as they are highly involved with the project, and our main studio is at least in the same state as they. I love spending time with them all, but by far the greatest delight has been to be in attendance at our thirteenth grandchild’s birth and to have the ability to watch her grow in her first few months of life. The baby stage is really my favorite age, so I have been tremendously blessed to share time with this little one.

When Sarah makes it known that she is discontent, is a bit restless, or she is ready to sleep, my default solution is to hold her in my arms, sing some soothing little lullabies and Christian children’s songs (including Sing God’s Word scripture songs), gently rub her sweet fuzzy head, and walk and/or sway in time to those little ditties. At first, she might be bobbing her head up and down, chewing/sucking on her hands, or wiggling about to find a comfy spot. Fairly soon, the activity level diminishes, and if she hasn’t found her thumb or a suitable finger on which she can suckle, she might try doing the same to the arm of the hoodie or sweater I’m wearing. Shortly thereafter, I feel her body get completely limp and heavy, and voila, she is asleep, fully resting in my arms. Rarely she might stiffen and wail when the calming ritual is not meeting her needs, but for the most part, she relaxes and receives the comfort intended.

I know there is a high level of pleasure for the baby in this routine, but I could say the joy is all mine as I find an abundant measure of happiness and satisfaction cuddling with this precious little being. So, we can ponder what the mindset of the heavenly Father must be as he looks to wrap us up in that same type of embrace. His Word says, “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV). What an extremely comforting thought that his arms of love are longing to hold each of us and that this connection causes him joy! At this point, Sarah is fully dependent upon those who are caring for her to interpret the cues she is sending. The Lord can definitely do the same, but we have to willingly allow his embrace to enfold us. If we stiffen and/or wail, fighting against his hold, we are missing out on the blessing of the peace, joy, and comfort that only his loving arms can provide.

The Book of Hebrews speaks to entering God’s rest and how it is not something we should miss. In fact, it advises us, “Let us strive to enter that rest,” (Hebrews 4:11a, ESV). In other words, it is something we should actively seek. It is to our benefit, then, to intentionally come to the Father, nestle into his embrace, and receive the luxury of his amazing love. There is a reason that the Lord told us to come to him like little children. They are trusting, dependent, naturally accepting of another’s care, and positive responders to those who show them love. Our Father looks to his children to do the same. Settle down into the comfort and joy of his sweet embrace, and rest in his loving arms today!

“‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29, ESV).

Subscribe to our free bi-monthly eNewsletter