A Godly hug
“There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, and in his majesty through the skies. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms…”
Deuteronomy 33:26-27 (RSV)
Everyone has different prompts which remind them of God – for me, it is a special jumper. Recently, feeling colder than usual, I went in search of an item of clothing that would help to keep me warm, while allowing me to go about my daily activities. Searching for something suitable, it was not long before I spotted something lying on the floor amongst some other items of attire that to my shame had not yet been put away! It was just about visible but there it was, an old faithful jumper peeking out at me like a long-lost friend. I had possessed it for more years than I would care to remember but here it was once more coming to my rescue.
Quickly picking it up and putting it on, I immediately felt the warmth and experienced a familiar sense of security. It fitted me snugly and in an instant my mind turned to God and I thought: ‘Is this what He is like in our lives’?
Unfortunately there are times in my life when I may forget all about my faithful friend, summer comes along and I perhaps don’t pay as much attention as I should to its whereabouts, even though on a chilly day it is still required. On occasion my jumper may disappear from sight completely due to it being pushed to the back of a shelf in my wardrobe but it’s still always there, quietly waiting for my return when once more it provides me with what I need.
My jumper is one thing that I never want to part with, it is a little tattered and slightly threadbare in places but that is my fault for not maintaining it! If you have something which reminds you of God and triggers thoughts of Him, and this can happen at any time, often unexpectedly, I would suggest that you wrap your arms across in front of you and give yourself a warm and reassuring hug because I’m sure God would love to do so for each and every one of us. It could just make you feel a whole lot better. These words from Isaiah convey something of the gentleness and warmth of God towards us:
He will feed his flock like a shepherd,
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young. (Isaiah 40:11).
These days when there is so much busyness in our lives and so many distractions, regularly turning our minds to our almighty God is what matters.
Prayer
With grateful thanks to our very loving and caring God, who compassionately understands our every need. Amen.
Study by Sharman Bowen
About the writer:
Sharman Bowen attends the Lewes congregation of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Grace Communion in Lewes
The House of Friendship
208 High Street
Lewes
BN7 2NS
Meeting time:
Sunday 11:00 am
Local congregational contact:
Hilary Buck
Email: lewes@gracecom.church
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Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church