Treasure Pouch

Monday, April 11, 2011

My granddaughter Stella was born prematurely and stayed in the NICU for a few days. The wonderful nurses there taught my son and daughter-in-law the importance of swaddling. Little ones are wrapped and tucked tightly in lightweight cotton baby blankets to keep their bodies warm. Bundling keeps babies protected and helps them to sleep well. Josh and Meredith liken the process to making a burrito where the flour tortilla is wrapped around the good stuff. The wrapping on the outside protects the inside! Our little bundle of blessing looks snug and secure warmly nestled in her swaddling blankets.

We all have a need to be bound securely. When we face the trials of daily living, it’s good to know that God wants to wrap us securely in his arms. In I Samuel 25 we see that David is reminded his life was safely bound in God’s hands. When David and Abigail encounter one another, David is on the run from King Saul who believes the young man is a threat to his throne. David becomes an outlaw, camping out with his men in the wilderness. David requests food from Abigail’s wealthy but foolish husband Nabal. When the selfish Nabal rejects the request, David quickly orders his men to “gird on their swords.” Abigail is forced into action. She gathers supplies and sends them to David and his men and then sets out to talk with David. With diplomacy and grace, Abigail assures David that he has God’s favor and is “bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God.” The New Living Translation says that David’s life was secure in God’s “treasure pouch.” Abigail’s message was a reminder that God will protect us when we have trouble protecting ourselves. Her calm approach helped David realize that vengeance is God’s and the Lord would deal with his enemies.

When we deal with slings and arrows of unkind people ... When we face uncertainty in our relationships ... When we’re tempted to lash out with anger ... When we struggle with temptation ... When we go through economic hardships ... When we suffer with health issues ... ...it’s important to remember that we too are “bound securely in the bundle of living.” We lie in the center of God’s “treasure pouch.” No force on earth can break through the protection of the arms of God. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Just as Stella is securely bundled in her swaddling blanket, we too are securely bundled in God’s love.

Treasure your “treasure pouch!”

29 “Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the LORD your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling! I Samuel 25:29