“Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23)

Can you remember as a child climbing into your father’s lap and resting your head on his chest as he folded his loving arms around you? Let your mind take in that loving moment where you felt comfort, safety, protection, and peace.

There is an old hymn written by Elisha A. Hoffman entitled: “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” The words in this hymn of assurance are so comforting. In verse three of this beautiful song, let these soothing words calm your heart:

”What have I to dread, What have I to fear, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

I have blessed peace, with my Lord so near, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Leaning, leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms

Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

To lean on Jesus is to be at a place of rest. David tells us in Psalms 37:7a, “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him…”

Our heavenly Father is also a Father of Comfort, (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (4) Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

What assurance. What peace. What safety, protection, and rest we can have when we crawl into the lap of our heavenly Father and He wraps His loving arms around us. (Please read Psalms 91.)

For those of us who have not had this childhood experience with our earthly fathers, our heavenly Father awaits us with open arms. (Matthew 11:28-29) “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

I encourage you who read this devotional to climb into the lap of your heavenly Father, laying your head on His Bosom as He wraps His loving arms around you.

What an experience!