Not long ago I meant to type into the search box, biblehub.com, a site I visit frequently for research. (If you’ve not visited there, it’s well worth exploring.) But this time, instead of hub I typed hug.
Bible hug.
After a slight snicker, I thought, Wait—scripture does offer hugs-of-sorts, in the form of encouragement, comfort, and assurance—providing occasions when I can almost feel God’s embrace.
Sometimes those hugs have come in preparation for what’s to come, sometimes in the midst of pain or trouble, and other times after the fact.
For example, a Bible hug in preparation for what was to come:
Steve and I were driving home after a visit to the next church (three hours away) where he’d been assigned to serve as pastor, beginning in six weeks. Melancholy enveloped me.
Three times in eleven years, the powers-that-be had chosen to move us, although neither we nor the current church had requested it. This was the hardest part of being a pastor’s family in our denomination.
Suddenly, on the Christian radio station we were listening to, the host read a scripture I’d surely heard before, but it took on fresh significance that day:
I clung to that promise over the next weeks of packing, taking care of the million-and-one details a move requires, and saying painful good-byes.
And look what God did at our new church:
He prospered us in new relationships, grew our faith (especially concerning our finances and those of the church), and blessed us as we watched him grow this community of believers—in number, spiritual maturity, and outreach—for thirteen years.
* * *
A Bible hug in the midst of pain:
Spring semester my freshman year of college, I received news that a friend back home had died, the result of a car accident. She’d been in a coma for over a week.
It seemed impossible. So many people had been praying for Shelly. Why did God say “No?”
She was only eighteen, as smart as they come, and scheduled to go to Spain as a short-term missionary that coming summer. Shelly was also an accomplished pianist, and had just won second place in a talent competition.
Why didn’t God intervene for such an outstanding young woman? My faith was beginning to falter.
I shut myself in the dormitory broom closet and searched my Bible for an answer. It wasn’t long before I came across these verses:
Verse 36 in the New Living Translation says, “Everything comes from him . . . and is intended for his glory.”
That includes the death of my young friend. My place is not to beg for answers that I likely wouldn’t understand or accept anyway. My place is to trust.
* * *
A Bible hug that provided closure:
Years ago Steve worked under the direction of a pastor whose words and actions could be downright unkind. We’ll call him George.
The situation intensified when, behind the scenes and unbeknownst to us, George engineered a change of position for Steve—elsewhere in the state–while we were on vacation. I was pregnant at the time, due just one month prior to the move.
God taught me much during that time, including the wisdom of James 1:2-4:
The next few months provided many opportunities to practice perseverance as we endured continued difficulty with George.
We also developed self-control, not talking to people in the church about what he had done (except with a few mature confidantes), in order not to cause strife or division.
I learned that love is not a feeling, it’s an action. With much prayer, God gave me grace to be genial with George. He also helped me understand that much of his untoward behavior came from insecurity.
After the fact, I could count it all joy that we’d faced such trials. I’m a better person for the lessons learned in self-discipline, integrity, and perseverance.
Years later we had occasion to meet George again. God had obviously been at work in his life; he was a changed man.
* * *
Of course, these are just a few of the Bible hugs received from God over the years. Perhaps we’ll revisit this topic again in the future.
In the meantime, please share in the comment section below a Bible hug you’ve received. I’d love to read your stories; no doubt others would too!
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I’d venture that the very act of your typing “hug” instead of “hub” is evidence of a Bible hug in action, Nancy. It launched you into the inspiration for how we actually can get those hugs from God in the midst of trying situations, stressful situations and inexplicable loss. Thanks for sharing your personal stories of Bible hugs with us and I will surely check out biblehub.com. Blessings, my friend!
Your right, Martha–I didn’t consider that my typo may have been caused by a slight Spirit-nudge on my finger! / As you peruse biblehub.com, be sure and check the “Study” button under the two blue strips, near the top of the page. For a long time I missed that feature and it’s very useful.
I loved this post on Bible Hugs, and it is most certainly true. So often, we read the words we most needed to hear. It is divine intervention, literally a “hug” from God, who knows our every worry, our every fear, our every thought. We feel alone or afraid, and right away, God, our Heavenly Father, is right there, holding us close, lifting us up, whispering His peace into our hearts.
AMEN, Linda! You are so right, and you expressed it so well–thank you!
Interesting, Nancy. You must be part of the Methodist Church. They seem to like to play chess with their pastors! :>)
Yes, we were a part of the Methodist Church, Dwight! When Steve first became a pastor, the average stay was less than 3 1/2 years. That changed over the decades. As mentioned in this post, we were allowed to stay at one church for 13 years; the next one for 10.
I think that would be unsettling to have to move without a say in the move! We are a part of the Methodist Church here as well.
Indeed, it was unsettling. But another change that occurred as the years went by, churches and clergy had more say in the process. I wouldn’t want the job of those cabinet members–putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle of pastors to churches every year!
You are right, that would be difficult!
Thanks for sharing your Bible hugs, Nancy. It’s inspiring to see how you and Steve have navigated challenges throughout your lives while patiently trusting in God promises. George undoubtedly learned a thing or two from your examples-praise the Lord. 🙂
Thank you, Nancy, for your kind, supportive comments. I don’t know that George learned anything from us ( I don’t feel what we did was that much of an example!), but he certainly became more gracious during the two decades we didn’t see him.
I’ve been graciously hugged by Him for over 8 decades in spite of myself . . . what an awesome all loving, all forgiving, all hugging Abba is ours Nancy.
You make a good point, Fred: hugs in spite of ourselves! He is indeed a loving, forgiving, gracious God!
Thanks for sharing your Bible hugs. I have had words of comfort and encouragement many a times when I needed it and I cherish those moments. This post of yours gave me two things- one is we as a family are in a lot of change work wise for hubby with the possibility of another move. In the waiting, figuring out what next I am trying to trust God. It is not easy. I took a lot of comfort from your words. And at the moment we moved to a new church as my son has a better community there and I was hoping to involve myself in the women’s ministry but have found the woman in charge to keep me at a distance. I sense a bit of insecurity there and I am just giving her space and not rushing into anything. Your story of George reminded me that God keeps working in each persons heart including mine and I pray for the wisdom and humility in honouring him in all my ways navigating all this.
Oh, Manu, I’m so sorry you’re having to navigate what sounds like a challenging move. You are wise to give space to the woman in charge of the women’s ministry. I’ll pray that once she gets to know you, your passion for scripture and Christ, she’ll see you have no designs on taking over, but desire to come alongside her with support. You are praying rightly, asking for wisdom and humility to honor God in all your ways through the move and transition. It’s the kind of prayer he will surely take pleasure in answering “Yes.”
Bible hugs- God’s word is always in season for us and there to comfort and guide. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Amen, Matt–“God’s Word is always in season!” It’s really quite amazing how often we come across a scripture that speaks directly to our circumstances or emotional state!
love the phrase Bible hugs and all your stories, especially the one with George. been there too but what struck me the most was this line: love is not a feeling, it’s an action. Sometimes we just have to step out in faith and take that action whether we fully understand it, feel it, or not…. Great lessons to ponder, thanks Nancy
You’re so right, Jean, about stepping out in faith and taking action whether we fully understand it, feel it, or not. For a number of years after that experience with George I thought that because I couldn’t stir up feelings of affection for him, I had failed to love him completely. A Sunday School teacher then mentioned that “true Christian love is an action not a feeling,” and I began to understand that “warm fuzzies” had nothing to do with it. I was finally able to put my guilt to rest.
Amen!!
All of your stories are great lessons in God’s goodness even when it doesn’t seem like it. Faced with a life changing problem in our family, Jeremiah 29:11 became my battle cry–and still is.
Isn’t that a wonderfully encouraging verse? The Bible provides many examples of those whose lives looked loaded with trouble and despair, yet in hindsight we see how God was working behind the scenes, orchestrating events to accomplish his plan: Joseph, Moses, David, and Daniel alone offer stellar examples!
All good examples and probably a lot of people can give witness to it in their own lives.
Indeed, Linda!
Loved reading your Bible hugs, Nancy! Thank you for sharing your hard-won wisdom.
Aw, thank you Mary. My “hard times” cannot begin to compare with what some have endured, but if God can create wisdom out of difficult relationships, challenging moves, and grief, then I praise him, and ask that I always be moldable on the path he’s ordained for me.
Nancy, I’m pretty sure we all know a George. My favorite part of this post was reading that he changed! Kudos to you for having compassion for his insecurities!
To be honest, Stacey, I had little if any compassion in my heart for George at the time–that came later! The revelation of his insecurities did help me understand his behavior. But what a true delight to see the “new” George years later!
“… the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” That phrase really resonates with me, Nancy. As much as we’d all like to avoid conflict and disagreement it’s an inevitable part of the lives we lead. To find positive in the negative is hopeful. You should trademark “bible hugs”! What a wonderful phrase. With my next crossroads or challenge, I think about reaching for the Bible, leafing through it, and quickly finding a “hug” of encouragement.
I’m so glad you found a phrase that resonates with you, Dave. To find positive in the negative is an important life-skill. The Bible certainly helps us do that!
Love these Bible hugs, Nancy. And that a typo led to a great post – He doesn’t waste a thing! Sending Blessings!
AMEN to “He doesn’t waste a thing!” Such an important truth to remember when difficulties arise. Thank you for adding that encouragement to the conversation, Wynne!
Nancy I love this… next time I have the occasion tomorrow the definite presence and intervention of God I’m going to think of it as a Bible hug. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Jody! P.S. I shared your poetry-resource website with the three homeschool moms in my Bible study group. They were enthused!
This blog was a “hug”! I loved your stories illustrating your point. This could be an entire series of blogs–with stories to accompany. Thank you!
Thank you, Katie. Yes, I just may revisit this topic again in the future!
Wonderful! 🙂
Bible Hugs! I am loving this, Nancy! God’s Word truly is a love letter to us. Sitting with those sacred words, not rushing through our reading, leaves us well loved, cherished, and cared for.
A sacred hug from above and from the Holy Spirit within.
Loved this, friend. I leave here smiling and inspired.
Praise God this post left you smiling and inspired, Linda! That makes ME smile!
Checking out Bible Hub, and encouraged by your record of God’s faithfulness!
TT
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Thank you, Michele. I think you’ll like biblehub.com! I especially appreciate the curated Bible versions for each verse under the “Parallel” button, the Study Notes under “Study,” the cross-references written out, and the commentaries. (Gill is often very helpful.) Enjoy your exploration!
Mom and I had a special Bible Hug this week. Mom is turning 96 on February 28. This is the year that she needs to renew her driver’s license, including a new vision test. She was very anxious about this. At first, she couldn’t find the lines to read on the machine. The woman waiting on us was so very sweet. She was doing all she could to soothe her. Finally, mom could read the lines but couldn’t see the flashing peripheral lights. Mom was granted a renewal of her license but was restricted to daytime driving only which was just fine! God once again showed us that He is interested in the mundane aspects of our daily lives, minor worries included, not just major events. We certainly felt a huge hug from our loving Savior.
Praise God for supplying what your mother needed (Philippians 4:19)! I’m very impressed that she can still drive at age 96–even if it is only in the daytime. She’s a role model for all of us! Thank you for sharing her story, Cheri.
I’ve never been a good night-time driver myself. Too much glare!
I love biblehub.com. I like the thought of Bible hugs! There have been so many times when the Scripture in my scheduled reading for the day was just what I needed. It made me feel so seen and loved.
One of mine occurred when I was in the hospital about 30 years ago. I was scheduled for an MRI, back when they were fairly new. Every nurse who came into my room asked me if I was claustrophobic. I didn’t think so, but I had never been in a position to find out. They said the MRI machine makes some people feel that way. They could give me something to relax me while I was in there, but they would have to know enough ahead of time to order the medicine and get it into my system before the test. Their questions actually started making me a little fearful of the test. They also said I would have to be very still inside the MRI machine.
That day, my the reading in my Daily Light on the Daily Path devotional was full of verses about stillness, like, “Sit still, my daughter,” “Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted,: “Be still, and know that I am God,” “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength, ” “Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still,” “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.” Those calmed my heart. I recited them to myself while in the MRI machine and even dozed off.
Another time was when we were getting ready to move and had made multiple trips to house hunt. One day I read Deuteronomy 1:33: “God, who went before you in the way to seek you out a place to pitch your tents, in fire by night and in the cloud by day, to show you by what way you should go.” What reassurance! When I read the verse to my husband, he said, “Does that mean we’ll be living in a tent?” Thankfully, no. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your stories, Barbara. You are so right–to come across a supremely-appropriate scripture at just the right time does indeed make us feel seen and loved. How wonderful that you were able to doze off in the MRI machine, proving that “great peace have those who love [God’s] law” (Psalm 119:165)!
Nancy, I definitely feel God’s light at work in this testament. Thank you for sharing a teaching moment with you and your husband’s journey. Praying that His peace arrives ahead of your eventual arrival.
Thank you, Richard! We DO experience God’s peace every day!
[…] Bible Hugs. “Not long ago I meant to type into the search box, biblehub.com, a site I visit frequently for research. (If you’ve not visited there, it’s well worth exploring.) But this time, instead of hub I typed hug. Bible hug. After a slight snicker, I thought, Wait—scripture does offer hugs-of-sorts, in the form of encouragement, comfort, and assurance—providing occasions when I can almost feel God’s embrace. Sometimes those hugs have come in preparation for what’s to come, sometimes in the midst of pain or trouble, and other times after the fact.” […]
Thank you Barbara–I’m honored you found this post worthy of sharing!
[…] to find exactly what you needed for the moment? Fellow blogger Nancy Ruegg calls this experience Bible Hugs. I don’t know how many times I have been pondering a question, issue, or need, and my […]
Bible hub is a great resource that I use frequently. But you’re right, there are lots of hugs in Scripture too!
I’m delighted to find a sister Bible Hub lover/Bible hug receiver, Sheila!
I, too, use Bible Hub daily. But what I love about the unique perspective you’ve given to Bible hug is the fact that the Word of God does give comfort and genuine hope when nothing seems to make sense. When hard things happen for no reason. Yet I’m learning that if it’s true–and it is–that God is good AND sovereign, His will must be accomplished His way whether I get it or not. As frustrating as that sometimes is, I know He’s close, and His words are fuel for hope. Thanks so much for this, Nancy. And for the vulnerability of your stories.
You’ve touched on the comfort we can draw from contemplating God’s attributes when difficulty arises: his goodness, sovereignty, faithfulness, compassion, strength, miracle-working power, and more. Such meditation helps align our perspective with his. (You have my permission to remind me of this if necessary!) / With you I praise God for Hiw Word that does indeed fuel our spirits with hope!