The Shoulders of God
(Photo by Austin Walker on Unsplash)
At the end of Moses' life, he was blessing the people of each tribe of Israel. When he came to the tribe of Benjamin, Moses said, "May the beloved dwell in security by Him, Who shields him all the day, and he dwells between His shoulders." (Deut. 33:12 NASB). Moses is telling the people they are loved by the Lord and will be protected all their days.
This blessing is a picture of a father with a child on his shoulders. The child feels happy and safe. Psalm 91:1 tells us that who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Being on the shoulders of God gives you the sense of peace and rest and security. God is taking care of you. You can relax and let Him.
MacLaren's Expositions has this to say about being on the shoulders of the Father:
The Cross carries those who carry it. They who carry God in their hearts are carried by God through all the long pilgrimage of life. Because they are thus upheld by a strength not their own, ‘they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint,’ and though marches be long and limbs strained, they shall ‘go from strength to strength till every one of them appears before God in Zion.’
There is a strength that comes from feeling safe; from knowing God has got you! Being on God's shoulders also gives you a picture of being in His favor. The child who is on the father's shoulders feels special. Your heavenly Father wants you to know you are special and it is His delight to carry you on His shoulders.
Are you like that child? Do you find delight in being on the shoulders of your Father? Being lifted high; being able to see more clearly? Are you finding strength and a sense of security as you rest up there? You have nothing to worry about because Dad is taking care of you. He is taking care of everything! You can enjoy the ride. And there is nothing that brings more joy to your Father than to see you free and happy in Him. He finds so much pleasure in knowing you feel safe and are resting; that you are letting Him be in charge. No matter what is going on in your life, Papa is right there to help you. He's saying, "Let Me put you up on My shoulders, child, so that I can bear your problems; your brokenness; your weaknesses. You can rest up there, you can see up there, and you can enjoy the ride. I've got you!"
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not
grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:7 (NIV)
for King and Country: Shoulders
I look up to the mountains Does my strength come from the mountains? No, my strength comes from God Who made heaven, and earth, and the mountains
When confusion's my companion And despair holds me for ransom I will feel no fear I know that You are near
When I'm caught deep in the valley With chaos for my company I'll find my comfort here ‘Cause I know that You are near
My help comes from You You're right here, pulling me through You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders Your shoulders My help comes from You You are my rest, my rescue I don't have to see to believe that You're lifting me up on Your shoulders Your shoulders
You mend what once was shattered And You turn my tears to laughter Your forgiveness is my fortress Oh Your mercy is relentless
My help comes from You You're right here, pulling me through You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders Your shoulders My help comes from You You are my rest, my rescue I don't have to see to believe that You're lifting me up on Your shoulders Your shoulders
My help is from You Don't have to see it to believe it My help is from you Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true
My help is from You Don't have to see it to believe it My help is from you Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true
My help comes from You You're right here, pulling me through You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders Your shoulders My help comes from You You are my rest, my rescue I don't have to see to believe that You're lifting me up on Your shoulders Your shoulders
My help is from You Don't have to see it to believe it My help is from you Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true
My help is from You Don't have to see it to believe it My help is from you Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true
My help is from You Don't have to see it to believe it My help is from you Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true
My help is from You Don't have to see it to believe it My help is from you Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true