What Does Your Security Blanket Look Like?
As a child, I had a favorite blanket. When I felt afraid or worried, I would hold onto that blanket and all would be well. It was my security blanket. Do you have a security blanket?
In today's Scripture reading, an invalid man also has a security blanket of sorts. Please read John 5:1-15. After reading this Scripture, please read below to hear about what God taught me through this story.
In the Scripture for today, three things really jump out to me. As believers, we need to stop making excuses, ask for help and choose to walk in freedom.
Stop making excuses
First, we need to stop making excuses. In today's reading, Jesus asked the invalid man if he wanted to get well. The man's answer surprised me. Instead of saying yes, he was making excuses about why he couldn't receive healing at the pool.
"I can't, sir," the sick man said, "for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me." John 5:7
I wonder how often I make excuses. Such as:
- I can't do that Lord. I am not qualified enough.
- You want me to do what, Lord?
- Have you seen how much I failed and not reflected You well?
- I am not as good as (fill in the blank) so I can't do that.
How about you? What excuses are you making?
Ask for help
Secondly, this Scripture reading challenges us to ask for help and say "Yes Jesus! I want to get well." I believe that Jesus is asking us the same question. "Do you want to get well?" We may not have a physical issue like this man. We could have an emotional challenge or struggle with a relationship that needs healing. We could be struggling with a tendency to gossip or be filled with pride. We all need healing in some way. Jesus is asking us "Do you want to get well?" Are we answering Him and receiving His help?
Walk in freedom
In John 5:8, Jesus told this man "Stand up, pick up your mat and walk." At once this man was cured. Wow, just wow. Invalid for 38 years and now walking. How amazing is that?!
Let's reflect a little bit on this man's life. We read he had been invalid for 38 years. Each day, he would make his way to the pool. Or maybe he even stayed there by the pool because he had trouble moving. He probably had a favorite spot he would lay on his mat.
He may have even had friends that he talked with that were seeking healing too. This was his pattern for 38 years. So when Jesus told him to stand up, talk his mat and walk, he probably didn't know how to react. His mat may have even become a security blanket for him.
Let's not miss the significance of Jesus asking the man to stand up, pick up his mat, and walk. Jesus could have just told the man to stand up. He could have asked him to jump up and down or run around the pool.
But, instead, Jesus asked him to stand up, pick up his mat, and walk. Why? Because Jesus wanted to be very clear with this man that his life of coming to the pool for 38 years was over. He didn't need his mat anymore. He wasn't coming back to the pool. He needed to let his security blanket go and let Jesus alone be his security.
Holding on to a security blanket
Jesus is asking us to "stand up, take your mat, and walk." Obviously, this is a metaphor. Jesus wants us to be healed. He has healed us of so many things. But, are we walking the freedom we have in Christ? Have we hung too tightly to our security blanket instead of to Jesus?
What is a negative condition or belief in your life that you hang onto like a security blanket because it is familiar? In some ways, my security blanket is the lie "You're not good enough. You're not wanted." This is something that was communicated to me growing up and is still communicated by some of my family members. I will often believe that others are thinking this about me or believe this is what they are trying to communicate by their actions. When I let this lie become my security blanket, I am not walking in freedom.
The truth is I am loved. I am chosen. I am precious. I am wanted. Jesus alone is my security. When my security is only in Jesus, I will walk in freedom. I don't know about you, but I would much rather walk in freedom. How about you? Do you have a security blanket? If so, what is it? Please share in the comments below. If you can't think of anything, ask God to make you aware of when you find your security in anything or anyone besides Him.
Going Deeper
Read the Scripture verses below about the security you have in Jesus.
Psalm 16:8, Psalm 40:2, Deuteronomy 33:12, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 61:3, Psalm 9:10, Psalm 91:1-2, Psalm 18:1-3, Deuteronomy 31:8
After reading these Scripture verses, please choose one of them to reflect on and possibly commit to memory. I would love to hear which Scripture verse stood out to you. Please share in the comments below.
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Looking back on my life, God has made me strong in many ways. I am blown away by the fact that the Creator of the whole universe strengthens me. Friend, God does the same for you. Tap into His strength today!
Then Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong.” 1 Samuel 2:1a
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The family posts focus center around the importance of friends and family in your life. They cover a wide range of topics including Marriage, Family, Parenting, Friendship, Kids, and School. Additionally, the family posts delve into aspects of home life, share book reviews, and explore the significance of holidays.
