Some of us have known the security and comfort of homes with parents who we could trust to protect us and to make everything as right as it could be. Sadly, some of us have not known the love and safety of nurturing arms because of abuse or neglect or abandonment. Those situations may lead to problems with trust and self worth and subsequent anger, anxiety, depression or behavioral issues. Furthermore, such terribly flawed relationships can impede our ability to understand or accept God as loving and good especially when times are challenging.
Scripture is replete with reassuring promises which help address those misperceptions and hesitancies. The Psalmist understood God’s incomparably deep, unconditional love for those who trust Him. He wrote, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.” (Psalm 27:10) “The steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him…” (Psalm 103:17) “
Speaking through Isaiah, God promised, “…do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) “I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” (Isaiah 46:4) As with all of God’s promises, these are eternal truths: “The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you” (Deuteronomy 33:26-27).
Jesus came as living proof of God’s deep, redemptive love and amazing grace toward us. “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10) When we trust him, he wraps us securely in his righteousness and carries us with the promise: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).
The Apostle Paul expressed it beautifully: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39).
Wrapped in that love, he holds us close- secure and safe “while the ages roll.”
Sweet Words from Maine 