“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’ So Israel will live in safety; Jacob will dwell secure in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew.” Deuteronomy 33:27-28
This is Moses’ final blessing on the tribes of Israel. God’s plan is for Israel to live in safety and security—and the heavens will drop dew in a land of grain and new wine. God intended to bless Israel and keep her safe but ultimately she chose other gods who could do neither. Resting in the everlasting arms of God proved too difficult for Israel.
Sometimes, it’s difficult for us too, and we turn to other gods. The gods of sport, alcohol, drugs, shopping, workaholism or anything that will deaden the pain of living in a broken world and provided a distraction from our responsibilities.
Resting in God means trusting. We cannot rest until we’re able to put the full weight of all our concerns in God’s hands. However, we aren’t quite sure what God will do with our concerns. Will he come through for us and miraculously solve our difficulties, or will he enable us to be strong in our difficulties? We hope that God will choose the first of these options, but generally, he chooses the second!
We trust God, not because he removes our problems but because he is good. We trust in the character of God, knowing an innately-good God will be our sustainer in difficulties. He has promised us his presence, his grace, and his peace. He will never leave or forsake us.
Instead of a life of safety, God promises a life of rest in his everlasting arms.
