Carried

In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.

Isaiah 63:9 nlt

Pause

Watching my son carry his little ones warms my heart. Most often they sit content in his arms, feeling secure and safe from the world. They lay their heads on his shoulder when they’re tired or needing comfort. But it’s not always so serene. Sometimes they’re upset, and he holds them to help them gain composure.

This is the picture of God carrying us—his children—especially when we’re suffering. He hurts when we hurt, and he scoops us into his arms to soothe us. Sometimes, we snuggle close to the Lord to receive his comfort. Other times, we wrestle against him because our pain makes us angry. He feels with us in that emotion, too, and his love compels him to hold us as we struggle through to a different perspective.

Our heavenly Father is always alert to our needs and cares deeply for our well-being. His arms are our safe place, and we can trust him to keep us there.

Ponder

Meditate on the truth that God’s arms are your safe space.

Pray

Father, I’m reaching my arms out to you. Please carry me.