Written by Richelle Hecker

Safe in the Arms of God.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link. 

 ^“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 New Living Translation

Recently this darling little girl and her mother came to visit us in our home. You wouldn’t know by looking at this picture that, not too long before it was taken, she was crying with hunger. Once she’d been fed, burped, and swaddled she quickly fell asleep.

It amazes me how much time can be spent staring at a sleeping baby. Four of us sat around her talking, laughing, and watching while she peacefully slept through it all.  The tranquility that she obviously felt was transferred to all of us. She was able to sleep without worry, because her mother was close by, and all her needs were taken care of.

This is the same kind of rest God offers us. So often we prefer to carry around our heavy burdens ourselves, groaning and complaining all the while. It is exhausting work, handling the many things of this world on our own. Jesus gives you the option of handing all of those things to Him so that you can rest. He desires for us to be like this child, free from worry because we trust that He will take care of all our needs.

If you are not as restful as this child, take everything and hand it over to Jesus, crying out to Him in prayer. Don’t stop until you feel the burdens lifted. Then trust Him to carry them for you, and provide for all of your needs.  Do not take the burdens back, because you are not fully equipped to carry them. Allow Jesus to wrap you in His arms just as the mother of this baby wrapped her up. Know that you are safe in the arms of God.

It may not feel like God is doing anything at the moment. Trust Him to do what He said He will do. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. Cast your cares on Him, believing that He can take good care of you and that he loves you enough to do so. Then be at peace.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado.