The Blanket
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21
She broke down. It was one of the most emotional nights of her young life. When our daughter realized that she left her coveted blanket at the hotel 180 miles away, she broke down crying. As the tears and heaves took over her body, our parental hearts were breaking, too. She treasured this blanket. It was her sleep buddy. It was given to her at birth and had become her security and comfort at night. During the day, she was busy with school, fun, and life. But at bedtime, she needed and wanted her blanket.
What do you treasure more than anything else? Is it your car, house, or a piece of jewelry? Is it your phone, your job, or your favorite shoes? There is a security factor built in, isn’t there? As long as we have our treasure, everything is alright. But, when we realize it is gone (or could be gone), we melt with anxiety and fear. Jesus tells us to store up our treasures in haven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. He tells us to value what he values, because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Aren’t you glad to know that God treasures you? He values your life and your friendship. He comforts, encourages, and offer us the greatest security blanket ever: complete forgiveness, true freedom, and eternal friendship with Him.
He is our ever-present help in times of trouble. Psalm 46
He is our healer and deliverer. John 5:1-9
He guides us and instructs us along the way. John 16:13
Nothing is impossible with Him, and He calls us friends. Matthew 19:26
His promises and actions demonstrate that we are his greatest treasure. John 3:16
As a dad, I could not stand to see my girl suffer. So, I called the hotel that evening and eventually spoke to the housekeeping manager. They found the blanket (right where she said she left it). But, I didn’t want to wait for them to send it via standard mail. So, I paid to have it sent overnight. It occurs to me that God must have felt the same way about us. He saw us suffering and He put in the call. He wouldn’t wait another day to get us back. So, Jesus came and paid the ultimate price for our forgiveness, freedom, and friendship…stirs your heart, doesn’t it? We are his treasure.
When the blanket arrived, there was rejoicing. She grabbed it, held it tight, and did a happy dance. It reminds me of what the angels in heaven do when a sinner repents and discovers their full life with the Lord. My daughter’s blanket story brings to mind what we value and treasure the most.
It reminds me that we are a chosen treasure. 1 Peter 2:9
It reminds me that the pain and disappointment of being separated is nothing compared to the joy of being found and returned. Luke 15:7, 10, 24, 32, and 2 Corinthians 4:17
It reminds me of God’s unconditional and unending love for us. Romans 8:38-39
Our Heavenly Father has put the treasure of knowing Him in our hearts. He covers us like a blanket with his love, joy, peace, and hope. Make Him your treasure today!