Scripture: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms…” – Deuteronomy 33:27
Explanation of Song: Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) is perhaps one of the most well-known hymn writers of all time. However, her life was not without struggles. Many know that she was blind, but what is not as well-known is the fact that in her early years of marriage, she and her husband lost a baby shortly after the birth. She rarely spoke of this to anyone, keeping it to herself. In 1868, she was given a melody and asked if she could possibly compose a poem to go with it. After hearing it, she knew exactly what she would write. Within 30 minutes, she had written the lyrics to the comforting hymn in remembrance of her sweet baby who rested “safe in the arms of Jesus”.
Application: For years, I was a non-hugger, but then I discovered the joy of hugging in two wonderful ways. The first was when I fell in love with my husband. The strength of his arms around me made me feel safe and loved. Even after nearly 50 years of marriage, I still cherish each hug from him. The second was when my children were little. I lived for their little arms trying to wrap around me. The enormity of their love in those little hugs filled my heart with such joy.
Hugging others is such a boost for our emotional well-being, plus there are some great physical health benefits as well! Studies suggest that hugging promotes the release of oxytocin, the “love” hormone, whereby pain is reduced, sleep is improved, and overall happiness increases! Additionally, hugging reduces stress, boosts immunity, improves heart health, and lowers blood pressure!
What about our spiritual well-being? Getting hugs from God are great for that, too! Wait, what? Hugs from God? How does that work? The truth is we get hugs all the time from God, but because they’re in the realm of the spiritual world, we don’t always recognize them. Here are a few examples of some of the hugs Jesus gives us.
1. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
- This is one of the most important hugs ever! I didn’t earn this hug from God; He just gave it to me because He loves me.
2. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
- My burdens may be emotional, physical, mental… it doesn’t matter. God is ready to hug me, comfort me, and provide me sweet rest in Him.
3. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” – Isaiah 26:3
- When God hugs me, He whispers peace to my soul because I know I can trust Him to take care of anything and everything in my life.
4. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” – Luke 4:18
- When my heart is broken, being held closely reassures me that I am not alone in my sorrow. I am being hugged by the One who deeply loves and cares for me, and that tells me, in time, all will be well.
These are just a few examples of godly hugs. It’s amazing how many hugs the Lord gives throughout the day! The Bible tells me, “His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.” (Song of Solomon 8:3). Getting a hug from God can provide strength, hope, peace, love, joy… there is so much that we get from knowing that His arms are wrapped around us! So, when you need a hug from Jesus, just open His Word, and you’ll get one!
Memory Verse: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” – Psalm 103:8
Stretching your thoughts:
1. What verse reminds you that God is hugging you and keeping you close to His heart?
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 in patience, wait till the night is o’er; Wait till I see the morning break on the golden shore. [Refrain] (from “Safe in the Arms of Jesus”by Fanny Crosby)