Security Blanket
This picture is of my grandson Bruce. He’s 10 months old and all boy. I think he started climbing the stairs at about 7 months – and he was very proud of himself. Now he gets up them before we even know he’s left the room! He is very adventurous inside the house. He likes to play with wires, pots and pans, any drawer he can open is at risk. Like I said, he’s all boy.
But, he hates the grass. My daughter and I went out last week to work in the yard wondering how we would contain him. It turned out to be no problem at all. She laid out a big beach towel and he wouldn’t go off it because he didn’t like the feel of the grass on his toes. It was new to him and he wasn’t risking it. If we put him on the sidewalk he would crawl up and down it scraping up his knees – but he would not step into the grass.
The funny thing about the towel was that he sat there perfectly content. He didn’t fuss to have a toy. He didn’t cry to be picked up or moved. He moved around a little but was pretty happy to just sit there and watch us.
What a picture this was of us as adults. We love our comfort zones. If we can stay in the rut – even though it keeps us from experiencing all God has for us – we are much happier than stepping out in faith into territory we don’t have experience with. We’re happy to watch others try new things and even hear the tales they tell of their adventures – as long as we can just stay on our own security blankets.
God tells us over and over again in the scriptures not to fear. Many times he specifically tells people to be strong and courageous and do the work as David instructed Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:20, “ David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.”
Moses encouraged Israel with a similar command in Deuteronomy 31:6. He said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” The Lord commissioned Joshua with the same words to a very clear call to work for Him. In Deuteronomy 31:23 God said this to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.” Joshua went and Israel entered the land as promised.
When it comes to stepping out for the Lord many of us seem to have a security blanket that we won’t step off of. Like Bruce, it keeps us from the experiences we could be having if we would be “strong and courageous”. With an infant it’s easy to understand that something new is a little scary. My guess is that by the end of May he’ll wonder what he’s missing and be trucking through the yard without a second thought.
But what about you and me? Are we hanging onto some security blanket that the Lord has been trying to get us to give up for some time? Are we willing to trust him to lead us to the place that will give us the best experiences and most blessings of our lives? He promises joy and abundance when we follow Him and obey His commands. Is He directing us someplace new?
If God is calling you to something that you are afraid of He offers His words to strengthen and encourage us to follow His will for our lives. These are just a few:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. 1 Chronicles 22:13
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. Proverbs 1:33
Anyone ready to step off the security blanket and follow the call of the Lord?
Thanks Beth.
I have been acutely reminded lately how one part of the body affects another both positively and negatively. If we are God’s children we have all been given SOMETHING for the kingdom (according to our ability) Matthew 25. Since this is a post about those who “are comfortable on the sidelines” you have done well in encouraging those to take that first step. I can attest to the fact that if God is calling you to do something, it’s generally something we don’t WANT to do or change in our lives….. which is the whole point isn’t it? If it is in your strength, who gets the credit and glory? Wo/man. We really can do all things (the Lord requires of us) because it is only in His strength that we can do them. Philippians 4:12 People have different reasons for not getting involved. Often it is worldly things and taking up precious time and energy and there is nothing left for God and the needs of our Spiritual family. I was asked recently, “How can we know whether we are in God’s will, or not”. 1.His will, will NEVER contradict His word. 2.We have to know God’s word to know His will and 3. Whatever you do, do it all to honor Him and He is sure to guide you. Does that about cover it Beth? Keep those posts coming. I always look forward to the next one! : )
The amazing thing about the changes God wants us to make is that when we finally respond and submit to His plan our lives become more peaceful and joyful. If only people could understand that He wants only good for us we would be a far more content world and accomplish far more for His kingdom! Thanks for your comment. I pray God uses it for His glory!