“The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27
“You, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.”
“He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”
“You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 3:3; 91:4-6; 139:5
Nestled in a cozy chair, surrounded by windows and a monochromatic scape, trees donned in only white frost, roofs blanketed with snow down, is a cocoon of wonder. The stream still trickles, though iced all around, its flow the only unfrozen movement or sound this frigid morning. Sheltered. Enveloped. Held. There is a dwelling place that covers and upholds with everlasting arms where the Lord God calls His own.
When all around is harsh, frigid, biting, the human heart craves cozy, that deep sense of serenity and safety in the midst of strife. We are drawn to, yet resist, the painful sting of cold, the edges of comfort. God crafted us with the ability to press against limits and to detect danger, and reflexes that protect or seek shelter. He orders many an experience to test our mettle, to push us to perform and trust in stretching ways, to learn the disciplines of structure and grit. He always provides a refuge. He presents opportunities to slip, to teach us to resist with determination, and always provides a way out that is a way in to His irrepressible care. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Where in the world’s winter do we find ourselves today? Have we wandered too far into a bitter cold heart, numb toward those who’ve hurt us or to the needs of those around us? Are there places we’ve strayed with a frozen conscience and need to find the way home? We can return to His arms of mercy and cleansing forgiveness. He washes us white as snow and can reignite a frost-bitten heart. Perhaps life is presently an onslaught of pressure, and we crave relief and rest. It may be we cannot escape a blanket of sorrow or disappointment, and our souls cry for refuge and comfort. The Lord hears and stands ready to enfold us in His strong arms and keeping. (Isaiah 1:18; Jeremiah 29:13-14; Matthew 11:28-30)
“What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
what a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning,
safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning, leaning,
leaning on the everlasting arms.” ~Elisha Hoffman (1887)
Father, my Hiding Place, so warm my soul with peace and boldness that I can draw others to take refuge in Your love and care.
As the rain and snow 