Contentment in His Arms

He lays his head back against my chest as the engine roars beneath us. His little hands alternate between resting on my lap and pretending he’s the one turning the steering wheel. Mowing the grass together has been his favorite thing for us to do since he was old enough to speak. 

Now that he’s almost five, he stares at the path ahead anticipating each turn, and helps by pushing the reverse button for close cutting and more complex navigations. When thoughts or questions come to his mind, he speaks directly into my ear, sharing the things he notices and seeking wisdom for the things he doesn’t understand. Occasionally, he turns to simply look into my eyes, and I return his sweet smile with a gentle kiss on his forehead. His unstated sense of contentment assures my mother’s heart with each glance and a gentle squeeze of my hand. Our shared seat on the tractor may not be large enough for both of us much longer, but I will always be ready to hold, listen to, work alongside, and help guide my baby boy. 

Cherishing these moments with my son, I am reminded that this is the relationship our heavenly Father longs to have with us. Whether we are working, resting, talking, or silent and simply taking in the sights, God wants us to find contentment in His arms. He longs for us to look into His eyes and see His smiling face. He wants us to know His great love for us, and to trust His steady hands on the steering wheel of our lives. He longs for us to turn to Him with our questions and to share with Him our joys. His arms are always wide open. 

David shares this type of deep intimacy with God with his declaration of faith in Psalms 32:7-8. 

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. 

I (the Lord) will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

David shows us that we can turn to our loving God both in times of trouble and in times of peace.  Our Heavenly Father will provide us with wisdom and counsel. He is our hiding place. 

Paul models what this looks like throughout scripture and says in Philippians 4:12-13 that he… 

“learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” 

Paul expresses that in both life and death, the source of His contentment lies in Christ alone. 

Like David and Paul, we can have this intimacy and holy contentment as well. Holy contentment comes from resting in the Father’s arms and letting Him guide your life, acknowledging that God is the only true source of strength, protection, wisdom, and abundant love.

• When was the last time you rested in the arms of your Heavenly Father?  
• Is it easy or difficult for you to trust him with the steering wheel of your life? 
• How would your life be different if you found holy contentment in the loving arms of God today? 

Like my son found contentment on the tractor and in my arms, may you find rest and love in the arms and presence of your Heavenly Father today. 

My prayer for you, my friend, is inspired by David’s words in Psalm 32: 7-11. 

Lord, 

You are our hiding place. We humbly come to you offering our hearts and seeking your loving embrace. Thank you for your unfailing love.  Sing your songs of deliverance over our lives.  Instruct us and teach us the way we should go. Forgive us when we lack understanding and try to go our own way. Help us to put our trust in you and find contentment in your presence both day and night. We will rejoice and sing in your presence, Lord, for you are all that we need!

Amen. 

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV© Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.