Daily Devotional for July 9, 2017
Security Blanket
Mae, I’d like you to put Matt down for his nap today,” said Mom. “I need to make an important phone call.”
“Okay,” said Mae, smiling at her little brother. “Nap time!” she announced to the energetic little boy. Laughing, Matt toddled away, wanting his sister to chase him. Mae caught him quickly. “Sleepy time, buddy,” she said, taking him to his crib. She hoisted him over the side and laid him down. Little Matt scrambled around on the mattress, ignoring soft toys and stuffed animals. He settled down when Mae patted his back for a few moments. “Sweet dreams,” she whispered, backing out of the room.
Just as she was about to shut the door, Matt started crying. “Blankie!” he sobbed. “Blankie!” He pulled himself up and began to shake the railing.
Mae frowned. Where did he leave his blanket? She checked the TV room. She dug through the toy box. She searched the hall closet. She looked under the dining room table and on the chair seats. Finally, she found the blanket in a lower cupboard in the kitchen.
As soon as Mae handed Matt his blanket, he stopped crying. He clutched the blanket in his arms and dropped to the mattress. After a few shaky breaths, he smiled contentedly at Mae. “Sweet dreams,” she said again as she left.
“Matt had to have his ‘blankie’ before he’d go to sleep,” Mae told her mother later. “Good thing I found it or he never would have settled down.”
“That blanket is his security,” said Mom. “I guess we all need security—even grown-ups! We need to feel comfortable and cared for and safe. What’s your security, Mae?”
“My security?” asked Mae in surprise. She shrugged. “You, I guess. I know you’re here to help me if I need you.” She grinned. “You’re my ‘blankie.’ What’s yours?”
Mom smiled. “Well, we all find some security in family and friends—but a Christian’s real security is in Jesus and His love and forgiveness,” she said. “He cares for us, and He’s always available. He promises to do what’s best for us, even when we go through difficult times.”
Mae nodded thoughtfully. “He’s better than a blanket any day.” – Mary M. Ihlenfeldt
How about you?
What’s your security? People look for security in lots of places—possessions, money, government, and the people in their lives. But none of those things can provide real security—even the people who love you can’t be with you all the time and make mistakes. Only Jesus can bring real security. He cares for you and will always be with you. Depend on Him.
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