Anyone who has had a baby fall asleep in your arms will tell you what an incredibly sweet time it is. For a tiny person to trust you that much. To feel comfortable enough, safe enough, to sleep. When you have an overwhelming amount of love for that tiny person – whether it is directly yours or related somehow – it adds an extra level of exhilaration as you hold that sleeping child.

With my own children, with family children, and with framily children – friends so close to that they are family – I have had that special privilege of being trusted.  I have also been the child and have felt that safety in the arms of my mama. Just this week, I was wrapped in her arms and her prayers.

The special occurrence of being the one trusted this much gives us a little insight into the way our heavenly Father delights in us.

When a crying child crawls into our laps, we draw them close and let them snuggle in. At that particular moment, the only thing we offer is our presence. Our bigness. And most times, that offers comfort. Oftentimes, you can feel the child submit and then succumb to rest. The circumstance, and perhaps the pain, does not change, but their perspective does. The problem seems less, and their protector seems more.

This little one in my arms does nothing to deserve my love, yet I am, in fact, overcome with love for this magnificent creation. This child can never pay me back for the things I do for him/her, and I am ok with that. They enjoy and immerse themselves in the rest that my love offers, and that is enough for me.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. Psalm 91:1-2,4

God loves us so much. He desires the kind of relationship where we trust Him enough to submit to the love and care He has for us, His children. His mere presence brings His bigness to our moment-to-moment and gives us rest. 

There is no pressure to perform or be something other than what Our Father made us to be. We only need to recognize that He is the One we run to. He scoops us into His arms and holds us tight. So, crawl up in His lap. The circumstances may not change, but you will truly rest in the arms of the One who loves you most.