There’s a lot we communicate to people without saying a word. Our bodies often do the speaking for us, signaling anger or affection just in our arms alone. I see this all the time as a mental health counselor: a couple sits next to each other and tightly crosses their arms in front of their bodies. I can instantly “hear” them—they are feeling self protective, closed off, angry, and/or defiant. Other times I can pick up a much different message when I watch a person use their arms to reach out and hug, offer a tissue, or give a gentle hand squeeze. 

We don’t normally think about the “body language” of God because we can’t actually see Him. But the Bible has numerous descriptions of God’s arms. (To name a few: Exodus 6:6,  Psalm 44:3, 89;21.) Isaiah 40:10-11 in particular reveals a great deal about God through this metaphor about His arms. 

“See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm…
He tends his flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.” 

Mighty arm… strong and powerful… You might imagine someone with physical strength, someone with large full biceps and firm muscles -- someone who could easily lift a heavy weight or crush something with his power. God’s arms are strong and capable. He can protect His people. There are at least two verses that talk about God’s arms not being too short to save (Number 11:23, Isaiah 59:1). This shows us that we are never out of His reach. He can save us. He is able!

This reference to God’s might is not just in the physically strong sense but  additionally that He is the all powerful, all knowing sovereign ruler. Might also refers to His authority. He determines what will happen and makes it so. He is fully competent to  fight all our battles. He is filled with power.  Picture a strong king in his throne room – He is large and in charge. 

Then, as we continue to Isaiah 40:11, His arms are communicating something else entirely. We see a humble shepherd, the completely capable protector of His sheep, gathering the lambs in his arms. The word humble aptly describes God because when we say God is humble it means that His immense force is contained. His strength is under control. The power is within but most of the time, it is being held in check. This is God. 

Shepherds tend to every need of their sheep. They provide food, water, protection – everything they require. Consider Matthew 18:11-12, “If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?” And then our mighty Shepherd gathers us in His arms and carries us close to His heart. Each and every sheep matters to the Shepherd.  

 “Mighty arms … tenderly holding a baby lamb to his heart.” What a contrast! Isn’t this the perfect image of our Heavenly Father? I think these two verses sum up much of who God is.

The arms of Jesus also demonstrated both tender care and power. I picture Him with extended arms that are fully spread open. He welcomes all who would come to Him. In Matthew 11:28,  Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” His invitation is for everyone.  He wants to be in relationship with each one of us. 

But the most significant way Jesus used his arms is when He stretched them out on the cross. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” John 10:11. He made a way for us to be reconciled to God when He died on our behalf. Because of Him, we can rest in the arms of the Good Shepherd, now and forever.

What does the “body language” of God say to us? You don’t have to be a therapist to see that God wants to welcome us into his loving arms and be in relationship with us. Jesus died on our behalf so that He, the Good Shepherd, can hold us, His little lambs, in his arms. 

Whatever you are going through today, wherever you are in your life, know that God is both willing and able. 

ABOUT OUR BLOGGER

Bonnie Kotler and her husband Mitch have two daughters, three sons, four grandchildren and three grand-puppies. She was a stay-at- home mom for many years before re-entering the workforce after receiving her M.S. in Counseling and Human Relations from Villanova University. She is a licensed professional counselor at The Peacemaker Center and her own private practice, True North Counseling. Bonnie has been on the Willowdale women’s ministry teaching team since 2012. Bible studies have played a key role in her walk as a believer, and in turn, she loves to help other women find their peace with God and grow in their faith. She enjoys writing Bible study materials, reading fiction, spending time with family and doing anything in the sunshine. Bonnie loves to laugh and considers laughter as the best medicine.  Psalm 126:2