Daily devotional, February 03, 2024 Weighted blanket

"Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant." Psalm 119:76

25 years ago studies about a blanket that could provide relief and comfort for those in the autism spectrum or having mental health issues bore fruit. Heavy comforters, or bean filled blankets offered nurturing pressure, akin to a snug swaddle that helps newborn babies fall asleep easily.

In 2018, the same invention was released to the mainstream market, touted as a weighted blanket that can help induce sleep and reduce stress.

As Christians, God is our source of comfort in the midst of the distressing seasons of our lives. When we feel so hurt, too traumatized, and overwhelmingly sad and in despair that we cannot bear to sleep, God watches over us and holds our hearts — if only we would let Him.

The author of the longest Psalm says meditating on God’s words concretely comforts overwhelmed hearts.

"This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life." 
Psalm 119:50

When our heart and mind treasure and meditate on the words of our Lord, we get a sense of security that envelops us in the loving embrace of our Sovereign King. When we have the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we can endure challenges as our eyes remain fixed on Jesus and His promises:

“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him. But ye know Him, for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.”

John 14:16-18

When we have the Lord in our hearts, we get to fully understand that amidst our troubles, He is in control. That our future is in His hands. And when we lull ourselves to sleep thinking back to His faithfulness in spite of our many mistakes and weaknesses, we can still fall in a deep slumber. We can rest amid our troubles because we know that our God is good, He promises to never leave us and His mercy endures forever:

"and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 
Matthew 28:20

As recipients of His love and comfort, our dear Savior wants us to pass on the warmth and affection that we have been given. We have to give back the grace we have received, because we are part of His body, and we are commanded to love one another:

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.  He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

This world may come up with inventions and products that could help us find comfort amidst our troubles, but let us realize that such will never address the issues long term. Turning to the God of all comforts is the only way to have that peace of mind, that only a life in Christ can give.

So practically speaking, how do we seek comfort from God? We can by soaking in His word, spending time with Him during prayer and quiet time. Pouring out our sentiments to Him, and telling him about both our hurts and happiness because He longs to listen to us (read the first Book of Samuel, Chapter 1 on how Hannah prayed to God and pour her heart on Him).

Intentionally studying the bible and holding on to His promises is key. Happily worshipping Him with others should also be the high point of our week. Live your faith and it will live in you.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 61 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Who or what is your sense of comfort? How can the Lord’s presence calm your heart?

Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, give me the confidence to turn to you when I am in distress. Allow me to experience the comfort and peace that only you can give. Make me reach out to you and not on other things, because only you can give me true and lasting peace. Amen.