(J. R. Miller, “A Life of Character”)
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms!” Deuteronomy 33:27
At the two extremes of life, childhood and old age—this promise comes with special assurance.
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He; I am He who will sustain you and have made you. I will carry you and rescue you!” (Isaiah 46:4), brings its blessed comfort to the aged.
HIS ARMS:
What does an arm represent?
One suggestion, is protection. Life is full of peril. There are temptations on every hand! Enemies lurk in every shadow! Yet we are assured that nothing can separate us from the love of God. “Underneath are the everlasting arms!”
Another thought, is affection. This picture of God embracing His children in His arms—tells of His love for them—His love is tender, close, intimate.
Another thought suggested by an arm, is strength. His arm is omnipotence. “In the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:4). Out of this clasp—we can never be taken. “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!” (John 10:28)
Another suggestion is endurance. The arms of God are “everlasting.” They shall never unclasp!
There is another important suggestion in the word “underneath.” Not only do the arms of God embrace His child—but they are always underneath! That means that we can never sink—for these arms will ever be beneath us!
Sometimes we say the waters of trouble are very deep; like great floods they roll over us. But still and forever, underneath the deepest floods—are these everlasting arms! We cannot sink below them—or out of their clasp!
HIS EVERLASTING ARMS:
And when death comes, and every earthly thing is gone from beneath us,—still it will only be—into the everlasting arms!
This view of God’s divine care is full of inspiration and comfort. A strong One, the mighty God—holds us in His omnipotent clasp! We are in divine keeping. Our security depends upon the omnipotence, the love, and the faithfulness of the unchanging, the eternal God!
No power in the universe can snatch us out of His hands! Neither death nor life, nor things present, nor things to come—can separate us from His everlasting arms!