The Pouch Of God

Psalm 27:5 – For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. (NIV)

Psalm 57:1 – Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. (NIV)

My friend and I were to assist with the visit of a group of handicapped children to an animal farm. When I arrived at her house to pick her up, she introduced me to her daughter, who was going with us. The daughter had on a harness, and had her ten-week-old baby strapped securely to her chest, his little face turned outward.

"We are housebound," she said. "We need to get outside and breathe some fresh air."

The baby appeared to be happy and secure, strapped to his mother. He giggled, gurgled, cooed, and had the best time looking at the animals and the other children, and just being out in the open. Finally he grew tired and needed a short nap. His mother unfastened his little pouch and turned his face toward her. Shortly, he was asleep, safe and contented, with his little head pressed against his mother's chest.

The vision of the baby resting so contentedly against his mother reminded me of the position God desires us to have in him. We are to climb into his secure pouch, relax in his warmth, and trust in him completely. The Lord will keep us safe in his dwelling and hide us in the shelter of his tabernacle. We can find refuge in the shadows of God's wings until the trouble has passed.

Try envisioning yourself riding securely in God's pouch, enjoying the view, resting when tired, securely clasped in the arms of God. It is a lovely image of a Christian trusting in God's care.

Prayer: Lord, as a child is secure when cradled by a mother on her breast, help us to rest in your loving arms. Amen.