All of my kids had a special blanket that Grammy (my mom) made for them when they were born. Three out of four of them toted that thing around with them everywhere they went – through mud puddles, grimy fast food floors, parks, play groups, birthday parties, airplanes, and always, always to nap and bedtime. Each had their own special way of holding it (usually with a binky or a thumb), unique to their own personality, when they needed comfort or rest.
My quiet time today was about peace and rest and presence. God’s presence with us offers and provides that “blanket” of peace for us. It is always there for us to wrap ourselves up in. Warm, comforting. A constant in our ever changing world. He is with us through the “mud puddles” of life as well as the “birthday parties”. His presence doesn’t rely on our circumstances or feelings. It just is. Period.
There were no substitutes for my kids’ blankets. Nothing else offered them the same comfort as their very own blanket. Their own personal blanket, complete with their own familiar smell and feel.
God’s presence in our lives is the same way. Nothing else will give the peace that knowing He is with us can give. Our relationship and interaction with Him is personal and is as unique as we are. It has our name on it. Our “smell”. It is ours to revel in and enjoy.
Why does God’s presence provide rest and peace for me? Because He is all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful, all-good. Nothing can touch my life without first going through my “blanket” of protection and care. And even when hard times come, I am wrapped up in His presence, comfort and peace, knowing that He will never leave me.
It’s interesting to me that when my son Mitchell died, at the moment that he went from my arms into Jesus’ arms, I experienced a true “blanket” experience. I physically felt that comfort enveloping me, snug around my shoulders, holding me. For the past 15 years I have explained it as a blanket around my entire being – warm and comforting and safe. The presence of Jesus in my darkest time gave me that precious gift.
I don’t know what your day holds today. But I know Who holds your today and Who holds YOU today. I am praying right this minute that no matter what is going on in your world, that you will carry your blanket with you. That you will know God’s presence and wrap yourself up in the sweet peace of that knowledge….
Matthew 28:20 – And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Luke 24:36 – Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
Hebrews 13:5 – “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
