Settle into His Shoulder
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers!” - Anne of Green Gables was a favorite story of mine as a young girl. I read the trilogy many times over summer breaks and watched all eight hours of the PBS movie special until I could quote every line. I somehow could identify with the young character who found herself in silly situations, became a teacher, desired to succeed, wanted to help everyone, and pined for love. There is something about Octobers when the sun is gentle, fall rains move in, colored leaves begin to blanket the earth, and we desire to pull on warmer apparel to ward off the chill in the air. There is a settling that happens in nature as it prepares for the winter season and a quieting that begins in us as well.
Pulling on fuzzy socks, sipping on cider, or curling up in a blanket for a catnap create an atmosphere of ‘ahhh’. But I found something greater and more comforting than a fall campfire or warm puffy coat.
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him,
for He shields him all day long,
and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.”
Deuteronomy 33:12 NIV
From this passage, we read that Moses blessed each tribe of Israel before his death. This particular verse is a blessing over the tribe of Benjamin. However, I can claim this promise for myself (you can too!) as I am a child of God! Can you sense the depth of the imagery in this verse?! There is safety, comfort, love, and acceptance in the arms of the Lord! Here in the Old Testament as well as in the New, we can see how endearing our Jesus is. The disciple John called himself “the one the Lord loved.” He was the one who was found with his head upon the chest of the Master. Jesus allowed John to rest there. What a beautiful picture of tender care.
In my early twenties, I found myself a ‘Gilbert.’ I was falling quickly and deeply in love with Kurt, who is my now husband. A few dates into our new relationship, I knew I was going to marry the guy! As this starry-eyed gal and my strong-armed beau spent what seemed like every waking moment together, I found myself leaning upon His shoulder in bliss. I immediately discovered it was a perfect nook for my head and heart. There, resting on the interior of his shoulder, I was safe, cared for, comforted, loved.
The next time you reach for an extra layer this fall and lean back on a preferred perch, imagine you are resting upon the great, big shoulder of Jesus! Between His shoulders is a heart of gold that beats your name and adores you deeply. Settle into His shoulder this season. Discover more of the Jesus that loves you so.
(This will keep you Captivated!)
