Safe In The Arms Of God

Does God actually wrap His arms around us to keep us safe? Maybe, maybe not. However, The Bible says that when we go to Him for refuge, he will keep us safe.

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. Psalm 16:1

David filled all but one verse in Psalm 16 with encouraging words for those who trust the Lord. He understood God’s nature, authority, and His provision.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” Psalm 16:2

Click on the graphic to get your free eBook

The Psalmist recognized that his godliness didn’t stand on its own. Though God credited him as a man after His own heart, he sometimes fell short. Therefore, he appreciated others’ help.

The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! Psalm 16:3

The Lord doesn’t expect us to go it alone as we serve Him. He supplies us with pastors and teachers, and friends and mentors to walk with us. Other witnesses have also walked before us.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1

The arms of God kept David safe, and he cherished the influence of his godly friends. Therefore, in verse four of our Psalm, he wrote down some things he wouldn’t do.

Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods. Psalm 16:4

Who’s Chasing “other gods?”

In today’s world, the subtlety of “other gods” makes people deny that they are even chasing after them. But they come in all shapes and sizes and rate higher in their lives than God.

Jesus became our ultimate sacrifice by dying on the cross and conquering death. Thus, He abolished animal sacrifices for our sins. Instead, the Lord wants us to offer Him a living sacrifice.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1

David mentioned two types of inheritance he received from the Lord. First, he acknowledged that God alone was his inheritance. He referred to it as his cup of blessing.

Then he thanked Him for the physical inheritance he received in the way of land, which he called pleasant. Peter the Apostle also wrote about the inheritance God has made available for us.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 1 Peter 1:3-4

Each Night Feel Safe in the Arms of God

According to David’s writing in the seventh verse of Psalm 16, he can sleep peacefully at night. Each night God instructs him while wrapping His arms around him to keep him safe.

I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. And I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalm 16:7-8

We, too, can rest peacefully through the night when we focus on the Lord. No matter the turmoil in your life, you don’t need to be shaken because God is with you. David continued by saying:

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. Psalm 16:9

Is your heart glad, and do you rejoice in the Lord? Peace from God gives us a safe assurance that He will wrap us in His arms. The Psalmists found other reasons to be glad and rejoice.

I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:7
Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be glad because he rescues me. Psalm 35:9
But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Psalm 68:3
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Eternal Praises to God!

In Revelation, John recorded the last place we can read about rejoicing and gladness. He heard a vast crowd in heaven singing songs of victory while shouting praises to God.

Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. Revelation 19:6-7

We will feel safe for all eternity because God will welcome us into his presence with open arms. David wanted that assurance, too. He didn’t want his dead body to remain in the ground.

For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. Psalm 16:10

David never saw Jesus walk the earth. Nor did he have the advantage of reading the letters in the New Testament like we do. He did, however, trust the Lord for an eternity with Him.

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11

God has opened His arms to you, inviting you to feel safe and secure for now and forevermore. So, rejoice and let your heart be glad, for this is your day. And the Lord has made it just for you.

Dear God, sometimes I don’t feel safe, so would you hold me tightly in your arms? If I squirm and try to get loose, please squeeze a little tighter.

Check out these related posts on the presence of God.