He rubbed the silky edge, thumb moving back and forth, and curled up in bed. The white blanket, printed with primary colors, eventually took its spot next to his head as he fell asleep. Toddlers are creatures of habit and the security blanket became part of the bedtime ritual.
My son learned at a young age how a security blanket did not just provide warmth. The layer of comfort wrapped itself around my son providing peace as he fell asleep. The silky edge ripped and tattered into smaller pieces as he rubbed away the softness. After many repairs the blanket still remains, smaller than before, but with all the memories of sweet dreams that any little boy would treasure.
During a time of prayer this week, God gave me an image of a security blanket. Life is messy and there are days of unsure footing while walking out our purpose. The last several weeks presented challenges that I wasn’t prepared for and wasn’t sure how to handle. I know as hard as I try I cannot prepare for every scenario. But just as a blanket brought comfort to my son, God reminded me that He will do the same for me.
New challenges immediately take me to a place of little control. I wonder what the details are, how will it affect me, and why I can’t see the end result. But these questions are only the beginning. I love the chance to prepare and process. God loves to surprise me. The beauty in the dichotomy in how I tick and God answers is that there is a place we come together in harmony. And what I learned this week is that it looks like a security blanket.
How is God challenging you? What is your first reaction to a lack of control? When you need comfort, where do you go to find it?
God loves teaching me and left me with these lessons:
Safety and security are always found in me. (Psalm 91)
When you feel a lack of control, I am your control. (Philippians 3:20-21)
Expect challenges in your life, but remember I will clear the way for you to go. (Proverbs 3:6)
Go ahead and prepare and process but open your heart to surprises.
I always have this image of free falling when life turns chaotic and messy. It is my worst nightmare of what an out of control life feels like. But a change in focus takes my thoughts of free falling and turns it into one big security blanket catching my fall.
How would your life look different if instead of free falling, you knew the arms of God were ready to catch you?
[Tweet “God will always wrap you in His blanket of peace. Psalm 4:8 #sabbathofferings”]
Hold these words close and say them as your prayer when you feel a lack of control. God will always wrap you in His blanket of peace.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
Sabbath Blessings!
Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash
It reads like we are processing similar thoughts this week, friend! I love this picture of comfort and security, even amidst the unknown ending of our story, that God has gifted you with this week. So beautifully expressed here, Mary! May God richly bless you as you seek Him this week. I’m looking forward to more of your thoughts on Holy Week 🙂
As challenging as last week was I found peace in this image of a blanket. God is good to provide what we need during times of prayer and He di exactly that. Look for me on Instagram for more Holy Week thoughts. That’s where I will be hanging out. Love you, friend!
God never let’s go of our rope! I like the image of always wrapping us in His security blanket. Just today I wrote in my prayers to help me let go of control so I can be really in the peace He has for me that transcends all understanding!
There is something about a blanket that brings so many happy memories of warmth and security. I will join you in prayer that you are able to release control and feel the peace that God wants to graciously give you.
A topic close to my heart – blankets (and God)! One of my first posts was The Blue Cotton Blanket 🙂 When I pray comfort for people, I always pray that they feel him wrap his comfort around them like a well-loved blanket! All my boys love blankets! What about that lack of control in a situation you talk about? I remember a long time ago, when I reached a point in motherhood where I had to let go and let go – it was a hard lesson walking in peace and assurity in this place where I had no control – where I couldn’t make it right. I’m much more experienced with it now – but it still takes me some wobbles to get my spiritual balance and let him take control. Each year, maybe, it takes less time. It comes with practice – and I’d just rather not have to practice it, but I am so glad God is there to help me! Your post delighted me heart – with the blanket and the reminder on this Monday to let God be in control! Shalom, Mary! You are a blessing!
Your comment touched me. I love knowing part of your story and how you and your boys have an affinity for blankets. If one of your first posts was the Blue Cotton Blanket, is that how you got the name of your blog? There is something so real and hard about letting go of control for me. It’s a lesson I need to re-learn often. 2018 is my year of surrender and even though I won’t be perfect by the end of the year, I feel myself going through a transition of what it looks like to release all to God. I love that God delighted you with these words. Thank you for this sweet encouragement
Beautiful!
Thank you, sweet friend! Blessings to you as we walk to the cross this week and look forward to the hope of Easter.
Thank you for sharing this precious lesson the Lord gave you! I was so blessed reading your words this morning, and then I came to the ending verse: Psalm 4:8. Last night right before heading to bed, I read another post quoting that verse, and the Lord brought such peace to my heart. He is continuing it today, and speaking so sweetly to me! What a great Lord we have!
Isn’t just like God to repeat words that He knows we need to hear. Psalm 4:8 are those words for me right now as I go through some challenges. God provides the blanket of peace just when we need it. I am blessed that you join me here.
Mary,
This was a wonderful illustration of God as our Comforter today.
I just bought our boys a new comforter for each of their beds. Our 8 yr old said today “mom I woke at 6, but my blankets & comforter were so cozy I went back to sleep”. He woke at 730 am. We are cozy in God’s peace within our blankets,! Love to you this Easter week.
Jennifer Cook
What a treat to see you here, Jennifer! I have missed seeing you around. I love how boys love their blankets. It also is such a beautiful image of our Heavenly father’s love for us.
What a sweet and meaningful image, Mary!
Thank you for Sabbath words!
You’re welcome! There is nothing like a blanket wrapped around us to make us feel safe and secure. Jesus is that blanket!