Everlasting Arms

Everlasting Arms

Dt 33:27 The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. ESV

Ps 57:1-3; 7-11 O God, have pity, for I am trusting you! I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until this storm is past. I will cry to the God of heaven who does such wonders for me. He will send down help from heaven to save me because of his love and his faithfulness. O God, my heart is quiet and confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! Rouse yourself, my soul! Arise, O harp and lyre! Let us greet the dawn with song! I will thank you publicly throughout the land. I will sing your praises among the nations. Your kindness and love are as vast as the heavens. Your faithfulness is higher than the skies. Yes, be exalted, O God, above the heavens. May your glory shine throughout the earth. TLB

“GOD—THE ETERNAL GOD—IS HIMSELF OUR SUPPORT AT ALL TIMES, AND ESPECIALLY WHEN WE ARE SINKING IN DEEP TROUBLE. THERE ARE SEASONS WHEN THE CHRISTIAN SINKS VERY LOW IN HUMILIATION. UNDER A DEEP SENSE OF HIS GREAT SINFULNESS, HE IS HUMBLED BEFORE GOD TILL HE SCARCELY KNOWS HOW TO PRAY, BECAUSE HE APPEARS, IN HIS OWN SIGHT, SO WORTHLESS. WELL, CHILD OF GOD, REMEMBER THAT WHEN THOU ART AT THY WORST AND LOWEST, YET "UNDERNEATH" THEE "ARE EVERLASTING ARMS." SIN MAY DRAG THEE EVER SO LOW, BUT CHRIST'S GREAT ATONEMENT IS STILL UNDER ALL. YOU MAY HAVE DESCENDED INTO THE DEEPS, BUT YOU CANNOT HAVE FALLEN SO LOW AS "THE UTTERMOST"; AND TO THE UTTERMOST HE SAVES. AGAIN, THE CHRISTIAN SOMETIMES SINKS VERY DEEPLY IN SORE TRIAL FROM WITHOUT. EVERY EARTHLY PROP IS CUT AWAY. WHAT THEN? STILL UNDERNEATH HIM ARE "THE EVERLASTING ARMS." HE CANNOT FALL SO DEEP IN DISTRESS AND AFFLICTION BUT WHAT THE COVENANT GRACE OF AN EVER-FAITHFUL GOD WILL STILL ENCIRCLE HIM. THE CHRISTIAN MAY BE SINKING UNDER TROUBLE FROM WITHIN THROUGH FIERCE CONFLICT, BUT EVEN THEN HE CANNOT BE BROUGHT SO LOW AS TO BE BEYOND THE REACH OF THE "EVERLASTING ARMS"—THEY ARE UNDERNEATH HIM; AND, WHILE THUS SUSTAINED, ALL SATAN'S EFFORTS TO HARM HIM AVAIL NOTHING. THIS ASSURANCE OF SUPPORT IS A COMFORT TO ANY WEARY BUT EARNEST WORKER IN THE SERVICE OF GOD. IT IMPLIES A PROMISE OF STRENGTH FOR EACH DAY, GRACE FOR EACH NEED, AND POWER FOR EACH DUTY. AND, FURTHER, WHEN DEATH COMES, THE PROMISE SHALL STILL HOLD GOOD. WHEN WE STAND IN THE MIDST OF JORDAN, WE SHALL BE ABLE TO SAY WITH DAVID, "I WILL FEAR NO EVIL, FOR THOU ART WITH ME." WE SHALL DESCEND INTO THE GRAVE, BUT WE SHALL GO NO LOWER, FOR THE ETERNAL ARMS PREVENT OUR FURTHER FALL. ALL THROUGH LIFE, AND AT ITS CLOSE, WE SHALL BE UPHELD BY THE "EVERLASTING ARMS"—ARMS THAT NEITHER FLAG NOR LOSE THEIR STRENGTH, FOR "THE EVERLASTING GOD FAINTETH NOT, NEITHER IS WEARY." CHARLES SPURGEON

The picture that God wants us to see is that he carries us in our trials and troubles. His arms are everlasting! It represents protection in times of disaster for his people and destruction for their enemies. In this passage Moses by prophecy was blessing the tribes of Israel. He was declaring their prosperity and victory over their enemies. This is the image of God as a father-protector. That God would hold them like a father holds his child. That God would protect them, carry them and be strong on their behalf. It is as one said, “A crescendo of praise” for the great God who loves his people.

Today, Jesus as I face a trial that has in my mind seems to have great reach affects. Feeling the pain in my heart that trials and uncontrollable circumstances seem to bring. It’s not fun Lord, but as I lift my hands in prayer this morning, there is relief. God please do wonders for me! God send down help from heaven! I know you love me and sent this storm to make me better. Quiet my heart Lord, for I trust you! When this is over I will tell everyone how you got me out of this mess. How you delivered me out of these trials. How you provided for me and helped me! I know you will help because your love and faithfulness can never be stopped. Not even my lack of love and faithfulness can hinder your greatness. Lord, defeat my enemies. Stop the mouths of those who rage against me. Confuse those who would hinder me. I cancel every assignment of the enemy and claim the victory of the cross. I’ll praise you and trust you. I will sing and make music! I will declare to all your faithfulness.

Many of you are with me today! I will continue to praise God and tell others of his salvation. So should you, the dawn is rising! The sun is coming up and the trials and troubles will subside. I am a soldier at arms with you in the trenches today. I am you brother and companion in hard times. God is Good!

Bless you today,

Your Pastor, Mike Gibney.