Outstretched Arms

How do you feel when you hear the words “outstretched arms”?

Safe?

Warm?

Protected?

Wanted?

Loved?

Often I will close my eyes and seek Jesus’ face.  Sometimes I get an up close view of dazzling eyes that glimmer and sparkle. Eyes like blazing fire (Revelation 1:14)  And other times I get an image of Jesus spread out on a cross.  This morning during church, I pictured Jesus spread out on the cross.  Only this time it was a little bit different.  Instead of the vertical beam being the longer of the two supports that make up the cross, this time the horizontal beam was the longest.  In fact, I could see no end to either the left or the right sides of the horizontal beams.  Nor could I see the end of Jesus’ arms as they stretched out into infinity.  It was a fleeting vision but at that moment it spoke to my heart. My heart has been raw lately.  Raw with hurt.  Raw with rejection.  Raw with sadness.  However, that one fleeting moment was the healing I needed.  The healing for the hurt, the rejection, and the sadness.  Can you relate?  I’m sure you can.  We all have those sad moments. Those moments of raw pain.  In those moments, shut your eyes and picture Jesus.  His protection has no end.  His outstretched arms are all around each of us.  They will always be there even when we are not aware of His presence.

I hope each of you are able to see those outstretched arms as clearly as I did.  Shut your eyes and speak this verse:

Look to the Lord and his strength.  Seek his face always.  

1 Chronicles 16:11

As we prepare to start another week, this is my prayer for each of us.

Dear God, Thank you for being all around each of us – even when we do not know You are there.  Thank you for your outstretched arms that always protect us.  Help each of us see You more clearly.  Help each of us hear You more clearly – both in the silence and in the chaos.  Give each of us the wonderful opportunity to be a blessing to others throughout our week to bring glory to You – always to bring glory to You.  I pray that each of us put the needs of others in front of our own needs.  Please keep us in the light that is Your Son Jesus Christ.  Let us shine that light into the dark world.  In His Holy Name I pray. Amen.

Stay in the Light and the Love Always,

Eva