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.
“Only a few more trials, only a few more tears.” How powerful to remember that the pain of this life is I Kt temporary, and God is with us every step.
“Our bodies are broken, resulting in sickness that ranges from inconvenient to terminal. Our hearts are broken, leaving us hurting and hungry for relief.”
The Lord knew I needed this, especially this morning. Facing aging health issues is frightening, breath prayers whispered when sleep isn’t easy and fear seems bigger. Thank you, Erin, for your timely words.
Will pray for you Claire
Much needed words in our little community where one heinous act has shaken every young mom to her core and left us feeling overwhelmed with fear.
May we all remember that, indeed we are, SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS.
I struggle far too frequently with fear and worry (especial since becoming a mom 10 years ago). I love reminders like this that I have no reason to fear or worry because I and my children and my family all are safely under the strong and very capable arms of God. I love that over and over throughout history God has provided examples of His presence and strength and grace that are reminders for me of His ability to fully take care of and provide for us. I love Fanny’s perspective! Lord help me to remember every time I’m tempted to fear, that you’re already here and so very able.
Wonderful Truth! ❤️
I start my new teaching job today with a week and a half of training. I woke up thinking about what I’d do in a lockdown situation with kids in my classroom. What a fearful thought. So glad for this devotional to help me walk through that fear today.
Amen! Amen to God’s constant abiding over us. We are so flawed and in desperate need of His constant saving grace. His careful, loving watching over His own humbles me and stills my soul and calms my deepest fears. Lately in His Word, I having been turning to Psalm 91:4-5 “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.” God’s constant care and watchfulness over you all this day.
Accidentally read Isaiah 46:1-11 instead of Psalms and came across these beautiful verses that actually go along with this devotional: “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnants of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; ven to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.”