Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box

This comforting theme continues…

This morning, I sat with my Bible open, coffee in hand, the quiet stillness wrapping around me—and then men and women warriors in addiction recovery who I once met and ministered to in Georgia came to my mind.

It wasn’t just a fleeting thought.
It was a sense.

A holy pause.

And then I remembered a vision I first had 24 years ago.

A pair of loving, safe arms reaching down from heaven…

Not in a dramatic, thundering way—but gently, sweetly.

Like a hug from heaven.

(It was the vision that saved my life from suicide.)

A moment where God’s perfect love wrapped around me and met me in my darkness.

That memory came flooding back this morning.

(I sent them a note as a result.)

And I realized: Maybe someone else needs that same hug right now.

⸻

The God Who Hugs

We talk a lot about God’s power—and rightly so.

But have you ever let yourself receive His comfort?

Scripture says:

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…”

— Isaiah 66:13 NIV

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

— Psalm 34:18 NIV

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”

— 2 Corinthians 1:3 NIV

God doesn’t just command or direct—He embraces.

He wraps His love around us when we feel undone, tired, or unseen.

He is the God of all comfort, not just some comfort.

⸻

Could This Be for You?

So if your heart is heavy today…

If the world feels a little too loud…

If your soul aches for peace, presence, or even just a quiet place to rest…

May you pause in His presence right now.

Right here.

As you read.

Close your eyes.

Breathe deeply.

Let the arms of heaven draw near again.

Let yourself be held.

⸻

A Prayer for You

Jesus,

Thank You for knowing what I need before I can even put it into words.

Thank You for being a Comforter who doesn’t rush or scold,

but wraps me in Your presence like a gentle hug.

I receive Your peace right now.

I let go of everything I’ve been trying to carry on my own.

Thank You for holding me. Amen.

⸻

You are not forgotten.

You are not alone.

You are loved—and Heaven’s arms are reaching for you.

Yes, you. Right now.

He is with you right now.

⸻

Bless you as you pause and receive His comfort,

Merri Ellen 🙂

PS…

He has more for you.

YOU are a sacred space.