Wrapped Up in His Love

So John Eldredge mentioned in his last letter to be praying about seeking a "theme" for this year, asking God to speak something unique to your heart that you could go back to throughout the year.  I am getting back into prayer journaling this week... I've prayed through Psalm 86 a couple times lately... I ❤ the Psalms!  Life has been so good and I've felt so happy and full of purpose lately, but I am aware that emotions and friendships and even life itself can be fragile, so I need to cling to God, especially when His grace and favor is so clear in my heart!

Anyway, last night, Jesus gave me a theme.  =)  I get so excited when I hear something personal from Him!  I had written something about being enveloped by God's love, about Him surrounding me with a shield of love (another phrase I always love from Psalms).  And the phrase "covered and wrapped up in His love" came to my mind, as I pictured myself in my cozy heart blanket completely wrapped up.  I've been sick with a bad cold lately, so the mental picture came pretty naturally.

I just think the blanket image is so perfect!!  Because I need the love of Jesus to surround and protect me, but I also desperately need Him to be CLOSE.  I need to feel safe and peaceful and at rest in Him.  I need to know that, apart from any other relationship, His love is constant.  It is not fragile or fleeting or dependent on my choices.  When I feel alone, Jesus will be close.  When I feel insecure, He is my security.  When I am sad, Jesus will be my comfort.  When I am cold and confused, His love will be the warmth I need.  When life is changing and I'm afraid that I'm not enough, I can remember that I am covered in Him, and He is always enough!  And when I am happy and feeling His light and life inside me, well, then I can snuggle up and rest in His arms, and feel the peace that only comes from trusting Him.  

So that is what I needed to know, and what I will probably need to come back to throughout the year:  that I am covered in the hope and love of Jesus, clothed with strength and dignity, wrapped in the light of His presence, and trusting that my future is in His hands!