Mark and I have become something that we swore we’d never be – dog-sleeper-with-ers. Never did we think that we would share a bed with a canine. But it’s happened. Lilly happened.
She’s a great, quiet little sleeper and she loves to snuggle. Plus she’s just so darn cute. Ridiculous, I know. But we just can’t help ourselves.
Lilly’s favorite place to land is right in the crook of our arms or legs. She nestles in, surrounded by whatever limb she has chosen and is the picture of utter contentment there until we get up or move.
Why does she like that crook place? It’s warm. She feels safe and secure. When she’s in that place, she knows we’re not going anywhere. She senses our presence in a very tangible way.
It’s nice that Lilly feels safe and warm. But what about us people? Where is our “crook”?
God offers that same place of safety and security to us. That place where the warmth of His presence gives us reassurance and deep rest. Where we can nestle and find true contentment.
I looked up these verses today that tell how He holds us. Sweet word pictures that remind me of His great love. His unrelenting, passionate, nurturing love.
Isaiah 40:11 – He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;
Deuteronomy 33 – v. 3 – Surely it is you who love the people; all the holy ones are in your hand…v.12 – Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders…v.27 – The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
John 10:27-29 – My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
Isaiah 49:16 – See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…(side note – I always read this as God engraving our names on His hand. But it actually says He engraves US on the palms of His hands. WE are a permanent tattoo in the center of His hands…Nice!)
As I write this, Lilly has “asked” to get up with me and snuggle in close to my side. I want to do that with Jesus today. I want to remember and enjoy my place in His hands as I go about my day today. Safe. Secure. Engraved. Loved…
