Surrounded by GodSample

Always Embraced by God

When I say "always," it is to emphasize the glorious truth that God's children are continuously embraced by the Father. This is true because our God doesn't go from one mood to another, as we do. This means that our eternal Father is always in the mode of caring for and protecting us. His eternal arms surround us, and each of us has the blessing of being the object of His perfect love.

When speaking of ourselves as human beings, we must accept that we aren't always in a state of wanting to embrace. For one reason or another, our feelings change, and our inconsistency comes to light. And perhaps, for that reason, we think that God also changes in His feelings toward us and that sometimes He loves us more than other times. But that perception is completely wrong.

God's love for His children is eternal, and so is His embrace. We are beloved children, and we are blessed to have God's constant presence in our lives. As we saw before, when King David thought about this glorious reality, he said to the Father: "You hem me in—behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." Psalm 139:5-6 (NIV)

It's wonderful to feel God's presence with us, but it's much better to know that this is true, regardless of whether we feel it or not. Being able to say with certainty, without any doubt, that we are always being embraced by our heavenly Father, puts us in a place of rest and confidence.

King David experienced this, which is why he could say with full conviction: "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:11-12 (NIV)

Being embraced by God makes us feel cared for, protected, and cherished. He knows when we are thirsty, when we need strength, when we groan for a desire of the soul, and when we feel lonely. Therefore, beloved, let us also embrace Him with our worship, our service, and our obedience.

Let's say what the Shulamite woman said in the book of Song of Songs: "His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me." Song of Songs 2:6 (NIV)