Safe Within Your Arms

The lovely wife is having some vocal problems that seem to be related to the type of Lupus that she has. Because of that, she needs to limit how much she sings … so for several weeks she will not be coming to choir rehearsal on Wednesday evenings. She has tried coming to choir and not singing much, but it’s too great a temptation and she ends up singing more than she should. Though she gets tons of joy out of playing piano – and she’s extraordinarily gifted at it – singing is really her first love. So we’re trying to make it possible for her to get the kind of rest she needs in order to restore her voice … and we covet your prayers.

One of the things she hopes to sing when she gets healthy again is in a book I just bought her as an anniversary present. “Safe within Your Arms” is the kind of text that helps me to cope whenever the monster climbs up on my back. Not only is it good poetry, it’s good theology:

1
Whether I’m right or whether I’m wrong,
Whether I’m weak or whether I’m strong,
Whether I’m sure or maybe confused,
Feeling loved or feeling used;
I know a place where I can go –
Somewhere that winter winds don’t blow –
There I am warmed by loving arms,
Held with care, next to Your heart.

And I’m safe, within Your arms, Lord.
I’ve become a child again.
I’ve come back to the source of love,
where healing can begin.
Though the world would say I must be strong
and prove my worth by what I do,
I will rest assured in Your embrace
and find my strength in You.

2
Whether I’m walking in the light,
Or whether I’m stumbling through the night,
You are a God whose promise endures;
Though undeserved, Your love is sure.
When I am tempted to pursue
Plans that may lead me far away from You,
Gently You call, “My child, come home.
I will never let go of one of my own.”

And I’m safe, within Your arms, Lord.
I’ve become a child again.
I’ve come back to the source of love,
where healing can begin.
Though the world would say I must be strong
and prove my worth by what I do,
I will rest assured in Your embrace
and find my strength in You.

That’s enough to think about for now. The peace of Christ to you.