Scripture Reading: Isaiah 41:8-10, Psalm 46:1-11, Matthew 23:37-39, Mark 10:13-16
I once heard a story of a momma hen found in the rubble of a burned down chicken coop. The hen didn’t survive the fire, but tucked up under her breast, the farmer found her brood of tiny chicks, safely sheltered by their momma’s wings.
This tender image has stayed with me over the years. I think of it when I drop my children off at school and a familiar pang of fear strikes my chest. It comes to mind when I watch the news in horror. I’m reminded of it when a devastating medical diagnosis hits too close to home, and I can no longer deny that we are broken people living in broken bodies in a broken world.
Our bodies are broken, resulting in sickness that ranges from inconvenient to terminal. Our hearts are broken, leaving us hurting and hungry for relief. Our culture is broken and no political system can fix the chasm. We don’t have to look far to realize all over again, that there is much to fear. No amount of nail biting or floor pacing can change that.
When the world around me feels ablaze, I’m so grateful the Word reminds me that I am tucked safely under the wings of my Savior; there is room for everyone I love to find shelter here too. And we can stake a claim and raise a banner over these bedrock truths found in His Word:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
– Psalm 46:1,7
We see suffering and beg God to be with those who are hurting. But lean in and listen closely: Every page of His Word declares, “I’m already right here!” We don’t have the promise that our fears are unfounded or that suffering won’t come, but the safest space we can run to is the presence of Jesus. He wants to gather us like a hen gathers her brood (Matthew 23:37), to tuck us in and shelter us as the storm of sin passes over this dying world.
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
safe on His gentle breast,
there by His love o’ershaded,
sweetly my soul shall rest.
Fanny Crosby, the author of this hymn, surely knew a thing or two about fear and suffering. Blind since infancy, she must have faced more than her fair share of fiery trials. And yet, in addition to penning more than 5,000 hymns declaring the sufficiency of God, she is known to have uttered these faith-filled words:
“Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I was born blind?… Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.”
Fanny spent her life in the dark, but never alone. In this life she was tucked under the wings of her Savior, knowing that in the next all fear and hurt would fade away. Oh, we are safe in the arms of Jesus, friends. Safe on His gentle breast. In His presence we’re overshadowed by love. So sweetly, our souls can rest.
Safe in the Arms of Jesus
Text: Fanny Crosby, 1868
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
safe on His gentle breast,
there by His love o’ershaded,
sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! ’tis the voice of angels
borne in a song to me.
Over the fields of glory,
over the jasper sea.
Refrain:
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
safe on His gentle breast,
there by His love o’ershaded,
sweetly my soul shall rest.
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
safe from corroding care,
safe from the world’s temptations,
sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow,
free from my doubts and fears;
only a few more trials,
only a few more tears! Refrain
Jesus, my heart’s dear refuge,
Jesus has died for me;
firm on the Rock of Ages,
ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait with patience,
wait till the night is o’er;
wait till I see the morning
break on the golden shore. Refrain
Erin Davis is an author, blogger, and speaker who loves to see women of all ages run to the deep well of God’s Word. When she’s not writing, you can find Erin chasing chickens and children on her small farm in the Midwest.
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80 thoughts on "Safe in the Arms of Jesus"
My family just packed all of our belongings on a truck to move from the north east to TN yesterday. After some issues with the price doubling and shady delivery dates, we are in very real fear that this company is a scam and that all of our belongings might never get to us in TN. This devotional couldn’t have come at a better time. I have my bible my son and husband and a suitcase of clothes. And if I never see my personal belongings again, I can rest in the Lord and know that I will be ok. I would still love some prayers my sisters. Praising Jesus today for being all I need! This world can take nothing from me because my treasure lies in the promises of my Lord and savior Jesus Christ!
Praying for you and your family as you move.
Praying for you and your family today.
Praying for you guys! All thing will work together for your good!
I can’t imagine the stress you must be feeling! Praying for you now.
Praying for protection over your personal belongings, that they would arrive safely and on time in Tennessee. And I pray the rest of the move is a peaceful one
Praying for you and your family! Jesus has y’all under His wing!
Praying that all goes well with your move and that you are happy in your new home town.
Praying for you during this stressful time! God has your back!
Update! Thank you so
Much for your prayers! So we have found out that our moving company is borderline breaking the law but not enough to file criminal charges. They have our belongings and the payments we made under the original contract. They are demanding payment on the new jacked up amount before they will release our stuff for delivery. Just based on what we’ve read online, the people that pay eventually get their stuff. Sometimes broken into, stolen, damaged or 3 months later. So we are taking out chances and sending them the money today and praying to God that we see our stuff again. This company has this down to a science and seemed completely
Legit prior to moving day. I would still appreciate prayers today! We are leaving from Granby this morning. Pray that we get our belongings back and pray that anyone that touches this money or touches our belongings would see the fullness of God and what they are storing up for themselves after this life. May Gods kingdom be glorified thru this!
I’m praying for all the details of your move Kate
This couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m going for gallbladder surgery this morning and I’m a bit nervous. This made me feel better.
Praying for a peaceful heart for you and a successful surgery and quick recovery
Linda praying that the Lord or hosts will be with you and your surgeon! Sending prayers of peace and health to you!
We’re praying for you Linda! Thanks for sharing with us. -Margot, The SRT Team
Linda prayer for you to come out strong and healthy and feeling better. Lord guide the surgeons and the rest of the operating team through Linda’s surgery. Help Linda’s family and friends to lay their worries and anxiousness in Your hands. Amen.
I’m praying for you and your doctors, Linda.
In Mark 10: 13-16 Jesus takes the little children into His arms. Are we not all His little children? Today ‘s hymn and accompanying Scriptures are a clarion call to stay close to Him because He is already there. He is with me. He is my God. He will strengthen me. He will help me. He will hold on to me. No matter what befalls me, He is my safety net. I’m safe in the arms of Jesus. “Sweetly my soul shall rest.” “Be still and know that I am God. ” “Do not fear.”
Yes Churchmouse we are children of the Lord. We all should be eager to learn like children. Amen. We need the Lord with every breathe we take.
Praying for you and your son Jill. Praying for peace and strength today that only comes from Him.
“We see suffering and beg God to be with those who are hurting. But lean in and listen closely: Every page of His Word declares, “I’m already right here!” ”
YES!!!!
My heart has been so heavy and broken after learning of the passing of Wynter Pitts. I can’t get her or her family off of my mind. This devotional is a balm for my soul as I try to sleep. Please keep her family in your prayers.
Her passing has hit me hard, too. I agree with you~this was a perfect passage for today.
Thinking of she and her family this morning, as well. She truly is in the arms of Jesus this morning!
Wynter is surely resting safe in his arms. I hadn’t heard about this so it was a shock to read. I lost my brother in law on Monday too — also unexpected. Definitely a comforting devotion.
I’m so sorry Linda. May Peace surround you.
It’s 3:30 am and I’m reading todays devotional in our local ER. We are awaiting lab results to see if the cocktail of prescription medicine my 15 year old son took did any damage. I know God has this. My son is tucked safely under the wing of his Father. Even though he says doesn’t love Him because “why would a God make me only to hate myself so much?” I’m so thankful for today’s reading.
O Jill, this makes me cry. I will pray for you and your son.
And you are also safe under His wings. He isn’t with you right now.
My dictionary changed my words- sorry! HE IS with you. Now. Always.
Thank you Trudi. I covet your prayers.
Praying for your son.
Praying for your son Jill…. and you and yours too…
How apt and on point is it that this hymn is the one we are doing today… He is good and for sure these words are for your son and your family… He has got this… He is a loving God who only wants the nearest best for us and right now most especially your son…
Sending love wrapped hugs and prayers for you and yours… xxx
Jill, I am so sorry to hear about your son. I will be praying for God to show him how valuable he is. It’s so hard to see our value or worth when the world feeds us that we are only here by chance. Your son has purpose and a God of hope. I too was like your son. I tried to commit suicide twice. Once when I was 12 and again at 18. God spared me and I pray that he will spare your son. God said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.” He loves you Jill and your son.
Jill, I just prayed and will continue. May God strengthen and protect you all.
I’m praying for you and your son right now as I read this Jill. I have a 15 year old son so this really hits home. The fears of what the world can bring is sometimes overwhelming. I pray that Jesus will make his presence strong – we know that he is with you and your son already.
So sorry to read this. Keeping you in my prayers even as I type. May peace, hope and comfort rain down on your family today and may you son’s spirit be renewed even now.
Praying for you and your son this morning, Jill. This little lost lamb. How great will be the rejoicing in heaven as he is found! Luke 15:3-7
Praying for you and your son right now, Jill. This little lost lamb. How great will be the rejoicing in heaven as he is found! Luke 15:3-7.
Praying for peace and hope for your family
Sweet sister, praying for you and your family right now! And tho I wish I be there with you right now in person I am so thankful that He is our EVER PRESENT HELP! He is there to wrap His arms around you and your son right now!
Praying for your son right now, Jill. I’ve struggled with depression before so this hits home as well. I know the feeling. Praying the Holy Spirit releases comfort and joy in his life.
Lord, we lift Jill’s son up to you this morning ask ask that you will give his troubled heart peace in You. That You would give him your eyes to see himself just as you do – fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image – created exactly how You wanted him to be with a purpose in mind. Bless his sweet mama, Lord, comfort her and give her wisdom as they move forward. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen
Amen❤️
Thank you for the words of this prayer. Amen
Oh Jill. My heart hurts with you. I have three sons and this just brought tears to my eyes. Praying for your son that he will find Gods peace and comfort under the shelter of his wings. I’m so glad you reached out to this community of believers to pray with you. We ar all broken people in a broken world and so many times we try to hide behind our masks of having it all together. It’s so much more comforting to me when we can be open and honest with each other that we all struggle in different areas. Depression is a cruel disease. I’ve been in the darkest places and I too have hated myself but God is faithful. Big hugs
Jill, praying for your son and for you.
Oh, Jill, a parent’s worst fear realized. I can only imagine your pain. Cling to your faith and that others are praying for your family, especially your son.
Oh Lord, your Word tells us in John 10:10 that the enemy has come to steal, kill, and destroy, but you have come that we may have life and have it to the full. I beseech you, O Lord, to rebuke the enemy that has come to destroy Jill’s son and grant her son faith to believe that you have come to give him abundant life and that you are with him now and will walk with him out of this dark place. Stop the mouth of the lion that is seeking to devour Jill’s son. Jesus giver her son eyes to see and ears to hear what the Spirit of God is speaking to him. That You love him and died for him to set him free from sin and shame, and that self hatred which seeks to destroy is not from you but from the enemy, but thanks be to God, You have overcome the evil one! Lord wrap him in your arms and hold him tight and let him know that he is safe in the shadow of your wings! In Jesus’ strong and mighty name I pray, Amen!! Dear Jill, my heart aches for your momma’s heart. I’m praying Psalm 46: 1,7 over you. May you know His peace in the midst of the storm and see His hand at work on behalf of your family. You are loved!
Jill I have experienced a son wanting to commit suicide. My youngest son, 6 months after witnessing his older brother’s death was saying he no longer wanted to live and that he was going to go to be with his brother. My son didn’t take any drugs had started trying ‘shrooms, but with the help of friends I had the presence of mind to admit him to a teen psychiatric inpatient facility for a few days. I am so glad I did, he rebuked me and told me I was wrong and he wasn’t going to do anything. Three years after he graduated high school (six years after his brother died) he shared a paper he wrote for English his senior year about what happened. That paper enlightened me as to why his wanting to commit suicide happened. My prayers go out to your and your family. My son still has not come back to the Lord but I know he will.
Jill, I’m praying for you and your son. May God show you his faithfulness and may the Holy Spirit fill you both up with a peaceful presence.
Wow! Love this! That is the best place to be in the arms of a Wonderful, Powerful Savior. The story about the hen and her chicks reminds me of the old Christmas movie called, Nester. Nester had huge ears that always got in the way. Like any mom, she encouraged Him and reminded Him to pick up his ears. A bad snowstorm came, and she covered his body with hers, so she dies. The donkey ends up being the donkey Mary rode. It’s a kid’s movie, but I cried. Jesus gave everything to get us to Heaven, and this reminds me He is still protecting me now! That is a peaceful image to be held by Him! My mind can race and feel torment. But He can calm me, and I need that for sure!
I so love that little Christmas show and look for it every year. I can’t ever seem to find on in my area (Calgary, Canada). It’s the sweetest thing. I cried too! ❤️
I am going to look and find that movie and watch it. Your always a child at heart.