Embracing

I am welcoming Jesus to come, share, reveal and EMBRACE me in this season as I have felt rather drained and my head regularly feeling like its full of ‘coffee froth’ that is clouding my thinking and judgement.

Below are the results I found on what ‘EMBRACE’ means in the dictionary but what I also found on https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2263.htm says this - חָבַק portrays an embrace—arms drawn around another or oneself—signifying welcome, reconciliation, desire, nurture, or, in ironic contexts, privation and idleness. Its thirteen occurrences cover patriarchal narrative, prophetic lament, wisdom exhortation, and love poetry, revealing how a simple gesture embodies rich theological and pastoral meaning.

In scripture we find the word used in many references but in Ecclesiastes 3:5 ‘a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing – Conflict

In Job 24:8 ‘embrace the rock for lack of shelter’ – Covering

In Song of Solomon 8:3 it says ‘His right hand would embrace me’ – Comfort

Conflict

Our regular mid-week study group only just discussed this topic the other evening together and the areas shared were really eye opening to me. 

Sometimes we embrace other people to show support or love, other times we shun embracing when we are resolving a conflict, or are giving someone space, or are refusing to let someone manipulate us with physical affection. Life is full of holding on and letting go. - https://thebiblesays.com/en/commentary/ecc+3:1

What really spoke to me was the video message we viewed on the night where our pastors (husband and wife) were giving their view on them personally dealing with conflict and pointing out that with each conflict they start at ground zero as they deal with the conflict at hand and don’t take anything forward to be a tool to use in the future!

²⁶ “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, ²⁷ nor give ^[a]place to the devil. – Eph 4:26-27 NKJV

Covering

Although the meaning behind this passage is discussing feeding the homeless and much more, I was captured by the request to ‘Embrace’ the ‘Rock’ who we know to be the Lord Jesus Christ and because of that we will be protected.  In a way it is a visual of us standing out in the rain but Jesus Christ has walked up to us with His umbrella for our protection and to make it more complete He has one arm holding it and has placed His other arm around us, so we are more together under that protection.

This verse invites believers to trust in God’s love and to remember that, even in a world filled with hardship, He calls His people to be reflections of His love and compassion. - https://www.videobible.com/meaning/job-24-8

From the end of the earth, I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. – Ps 61:2 NKJV

He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and ^[a]buckler. – Ps 91:4 NKJV

Comfort

In Song of Solomon, the lovers' union is described as a sacred and joyful celebration of love. Throughout the book, there are many references to physical touch and intimacy, which are used to convey the depth of the lovers' emotions and their longing for each other. This particular verse, "His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me," is a vivid and evocative description of the physical closeness and comfort that the lovers share.

The left hand is often associated with protection and support, while the right hand is a symbol of strength and power. In this verse, the imagery of the lover's hands conveys a sense of security, tenderness, and commitment. The left hand under the head suggests a gentle and caring touch, providing comfort and solace. The right hand embracing the lover symbolizes a strong and protective embrace, demonstrating the lover's commitment to care for and cherish the beloved. - https://bible.art/meaning/song-of-solomon-8%3A3

I love this description of the verse in Song of Solomon, and it helps me understand how much my heavenly Father does love me.  His Embrace of me, especially in seasons where I feel anxious and overwhelmed are the comfort I so desire and need.

³⁸ For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, ³⁹ or where we are—high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean—nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us. – Romans 8:38-39 TLB