Goodness & Grace DevotionalKerry S. Teravskis

Rest Between His Shoulders

Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders.  Deuteronomy 33:12 NIV

Picture a small child on the back of his daddy – riding piggy-back style.  So much joy, laughter and fun.  A tender moment between child and parent.  

This is exactly what I picture when I read that we are called the beloved of the LORD.  Because of this promise, we can and do, in fact, rest between His shoulders.  Between the shoulders of the Saviour of the world, the Shepherd, the Son of God. 

We are so close to Jesus that we can feel His warm skin.  His hair is brushing into our faces as we ride on His strong shoulders.  We feel His heart beating.  We hear His breathing and the soft whispers of His love.  It indeed is a moment of tenderness between a child and his/her daddy.  

Yes, it’s my favorite place.  I love to put myself on Jesus’s capable shoulders because it is where I feel safe and loved for just being me.  No expectations nor questions.  Just acceptance.  No to-do list, just a stolen moment out of the crazy to embrace the love of my Father.  And it is so good to feel the depth of His love for me.

With each movement of a gentle breeze, I am touched by His hair blowing across my face; it tickles and reminds me of His nearness.  So tender, loving and such a nearness to my Saviour that I never thought possible.  A nearness where I do not feel ashamed to be in His presence.  No excuses to be made, nor anything to hide behind.  I am welcome here.

Feel the love of the Shepherd as He embraces you and pulls you close.  He puts you onto His shoulders.  He positions you so you have the best view in town – Him.  The only thing you can think about is not about holding on, but about basking in His deep love for you.  Live in the moment and receive the compassionate love that He has for you, His beloved.

Abba Daddy.  It truly is hard for me to believe that You love me this much and with such tenderness.  Help me to receive it openly and honestly.  You call me beloved, You chose me, and You put me nearest to Your heart.  I don’t want to ever leave this place of love where I am accepted.  Hold me close Jesus.  I need You.  AMEN