The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Held in God’s Embrace

He tends his flock like a shepherd:
    He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
    he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

Have you ever held a toddler who was having a temper tantrum? You talk quietly to them, try to sooth them and cuddle them. In return they arch their backs, scream louder, flail their arms, and are generally inconsolable. Sometimes we don’t know why they are distraught. Other times, it may be because they cannot have something they want. And then there are the times they are sick or hurting and don’t understand why they are experiencing pain. 

Does this sound familiar? If you have not experienced it with your own children, chances are you have witnessed it. Recently my grand girl was sick. She lost her sparkle and just kind of wilted. When the pain in her tummy came back, she moved her little chubby hands back and forth in the “all done” sign and said, “dun dun.” She just wanted the pain to go away. Exhausted, she eventually would lay her head down on her mom or pop’s shoulder and rest. 

It was heartbreaking for her parents, but they did not leave her side. They held her until she was okay and then picked her back up again when she needed more comfort. But sometimes, she would resist their care because she didn’t understand the pain. That was even more heartbreaking. 

Resisting God’s Comfort

Aren’t we like that with our Heavenly Father when we’re struggling and seeking God’s comfort in hard times? He wants to hold us, comfort us, and protect us. And we love His arms around us when we are floating along in spiritual or emotional bliss. But then comes the unexpected pain, sickness, or offense from a friend or loved one. We don’t understand it, so we lash out and flail our proverbial arms. 

We cannot grasp why God would allow this to happen, and so we question Him or rage against Him like a toddler having a temper tantrum. We let Him know that we are done with this pain and expect Him to just make it go away. Yet often He lets us endure the pain and wallow in our whining until we are willing to rest in His embrace – or longer. It is not because He wants us to experience the pain, but because He wants us to experience His love. 

Letting God Hold Us

He picks us up out of the miry pit and eventually, He sets our feet on solid ground to walk again (Psalms 40). But when He does, He continues to hold our hands, like a mother holding her toddler’s hand to guide them, ensuring they will not run into oncoming traffic, a wave in the ocean, get lost in a crowd, and as a reminder that He is always present. 

Are you like me, you have trouble sitting still in the Father’s embrace and receiving the comfort and peace He offers?

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:9-10

Will you allow Him to wrap His outstretched arms around you today and allow Him to protect you?

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

Can you reach your hand out to Him and cling to Him?

“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.I cling to you;
 your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:7-8

How have you experienced God holding you through a difficult time? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to pray with you.

Dear Abba Father, Please hold me in your tender arms. Calm me when I am stressed and help me to not fight your embrace when I want to wrestle out of Your grasp. Guide me with Your right hand and lead me in the path of righteousness. In Your Precious Name, Amen.

Be encouraged to know that He will hold you fast as you listen to this song by Keith and Kristyn Getty – He Will Hold Me Fast

Or for those of you who like the good old Southern Gospel, Dottie Rambo tells the story and sings her song – Sheltered In The Arms of God

For Further Reading:

In The Arms of God – James Dobson

Psalm 91

Psalm 131

My name is Keri Willis. I am a semi-retired educator. I spent a great deal of my career working with adults with developmental disabilities and many years in elementary education, in the classroom and as an administrator. My main ministry now is coordinating the women’s ministry for our church in San Diego, CA. I have been married thirty-four years and have two grown and married children. I now have a head of full grey hair and good ideas. I believe we are created to use our gifts and to be creative. That comes in many forms for me. I love to woodwork and use power tools, design, decorate, garden, and create new recipes. And I love to write. One major lesson I have learned in my writing journey is that I need to be still and listen to hear God’s voice before I am prepared to put into words the message he has instilled in my heart. This has been much easier since I am no longer working full time, but it is so easy to get distracted and not listen, which almost always ends with an empty page in the form of writer’s block. While I have written many articles for newsletters and local newspapers, I did not consider myself a writer until I self-published my first book, Teapots and Power Tools. https://www.amazon.com/Teapot.../dp/1466458763/ref=sr_1_3... The idea emerged as I was working on a project in my garage. I had worship music playing, power tools out and saw dust flying. I glanced up and saw my delicate teapot sitting on my router table. The message was clear. Sometimes we are using the power tools God gives us and sometimes he just wants us to be still and have tea with him. The book became the foundation for a women’s retreat, and then my amazing niece helped me work through publishing it on Create Space (now KDP). At least five other projects are in different stages of production. I joined hope*writers to help motivate me and keep me focused and accountable. I am still trying to figure out the whole website and blog thing. That is my next goal for myself; that and finish writing at least one of my projects! Teapots and Power Tools: Effectively using the tools God has equipped you with, while taking time to “Be Still and Know That He is God” View more posts