Safe in Bed
As a mama of four beautiful, crazy, high energy kids, I’m tired. One of the reasons that I am tired is because my kids climb into bed with us. Almost every night. I know what time of the night it is based on who I hear tip-toeing into our room. Our bedroom and, specifically our bed, is a safe place for our kids. They know when they are scared from a dream, shadows on the wall, or their mind playing tricks on them, they can come and find safety in bed with mom and dad. It gets crowded, and I may have a permanent muscle cramp from a foot pressed into my back; but there is joy in knowing that my children feel protected in this place.
We all desire protection. One of the primary needs of a human being is protection. This can be found in different ways, depending on the needs of the person. It could be shelter that is safe from the elements and safe from abuse. It could be having food consistently. It can be clothing. It can be a safe place to be able to express themselves freely. The need for protection is also connected to the need of support, encouragement, and acceptance. The more intimate the relationship, the more this need is fulfilled by that relationship. My children climbing into bed with us each night is fueled by a need to feel protected, which in intricately connected to them feeling accepted and loved. Unfortunately, I did not experience this from my parents while growing up.
I am thankful that despite the choices my parents made that had a significant impact on my life, God still provided His protection in my life. He provided an extended family that sacrificed, loved, and raised me. There were a number of times that I can distinctly remember the Holy Spirit gave me wisdom and discernment as a child and teenager to get out of situations that could have been dangerous and detrimental to my life. The wonder of Him being there when I wasn’t a believer and didn’t have a relationship with Jesus. He was still there. Protecting me.
I love this verse found in Psalms 146:9 that says, “The LORD protects strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow, But He thwarts the way of the wicked,” (NASB). Even before I knew Jesus in a personal way, He was protecting me. He was my armor. He was the one who gave me peace and provided direction in my life, even though I did not realize nor acknowledge it was Him at the time. I love how this verse also says, “He supports the fatherless and the widow.” Another way of looking at this is that God provides for and protects the most vulnerable.
Each of us was made with purpose. God specifically designed every aspect of who you are so you can fulfill the plans and purposes He designed you for. We have an enemy who will stop at nothing to thwart the reason you were created. One of the best ways he can do that is to fill us with fear, anxiety, and turmoil, so we attempt to seek protection from other things and people, rather than God. If we don’t have peace, we won’t be able to have confidence in the battle. We are in a battle. Ephesians 6:10-12 gives a picture of our unseen reality:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (NASB)
When I come to Jesus for protection, He can provide it by His discernment, guidance, and wisdom. What a beautiful picture of The Savior that He has a desire to protect all of us, including the most vulnerable, despite our relationship status with Him. Yet, there is an intimacy in the protection we experience when we know Him in a personal way. I would be more than willing to protect a child I saw needed help, but the intimacy of having my children find safety in my bed is an entirely different level of protection that only they can receive. It signifies a personal relationship that gives them rights that others don’t have. God is more than willing to protect those He sees need help, because He is a good God and cares for all people. But there is an entirely different level of protection that believers in Jesus are able to tap into because of their intimate relationship with Him. I am so thankful that I can access the intimate protection of my Heavenly Father any time I am scared about the battle, my prayer echoing King David’s:
“In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
Let me never be ashamed;
In Your righteousness deliver me.
Incline Your ear to me, rescue my quickly;
Be to me a rock of strength,
A stronghold to save me.
For You are my rock and my fortress;
For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.
You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me,
For You are my strength.”
Psalms 31:1-4, NASB
The reality of the battle is intense, but we can find peace in the arms of Jesus with His protection. Are you protected and battle ready?
Points to Ponder:
1. What is your relationship status with Jesus? Are you receiving protection from Him as a stranger or in an
intimate way?
2. Looking back over your life, where can you see God’s “hedge of protection” around you?
3. What is the difference in protecting a child and protecting a stranger? Which kind of protection do you want to receive?
Megan Sinisi absolutely adores a good cup of coffee, chocolate, and sitting with people to share life stories. She is a native to Las Vegas, born and raised, and has four beautiful children with her handsome husband, Vincenzo. She is a counselor, specializing in the field of addictions, with multiple certifications, both in Nevada and nationally. She directed Nevada’s largest treatment court and has been building her private practice since 2014, acquiring contracts with the City of Las Vegas, City of Henderson, Clark County Special Defender’s Office, and Zappos.com. It is because of her own journey of healing and through her career that she has learned the wounds we have can begin to be healed as we share our stories. She considers it an honor when someone shares their story with her, and hopes that as she shares her stories of victory and healing that others can be inspired, encouraged, and challenged. Megan has a love and fervor for writing and is walking in faith that God is calling her to use that passion and gift for His glory. She is someone who is known for her honesty and transparency that brings light to difficult situations and feelings, and offers hope and encouragement for the journey of life. It is her hope that by sharing her journey, it encourages, challenges, inspires, comforts, and most importantly, shines the light of Jesus and the reality of His love, grace, and mercy. You can find more from Megan at www.meganjsinisi.com And @meganjsinisi on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.