Refuge

“The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms …” (Deuteronomy 33:27).

As we quickly approach Thanksgiving, let me add one more thing for which we ought to give thanks: the immanence of God. By “immanence” I mean specifically to refer to God’s closeness. We can know Him. We can experience His presence. We can personally delight in His truth. Our great God is not just high and exalted, but He is near. This reality should blow our minds, while calming our troubled hearts.

When you and I take up the Scriptures, there is Christ in His “living and active” Word. When we behold the wonders of the created order, there is the Spirit of Christ whispering in our ear God’s power and glory. When we remember the cross, there is our present security even amidst life’s uncertainties.

My cousin Theresa has a daughter, Kendra, who just became a mom (at 6:51 a.m. today in fact). Ella Grace Wadsworth comes into the world already deeply loved. Her parents will do everything in their limited power to protect and provide for her.

But even better, our Heavenly Father knows no limits in His abilities to care for us. He has shown us His grace in extraordinary ways, and proven His enduring love by Christ’s meritorious triumph over sin and death. Almost inexplicably, God delights in us.

Martin Luther (c. 1529) got it right: “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.” Christ has won! We are safe. We are loved. We belong to the One whose arms are everlasting.

Experience. Enjoy. Celebrate. Give thanks.

Pastor Charles