FEBRUARY 19, Psalm 56:3 

A loud sound woke Jillian, and she lay trembling in her bed. “What’s that noise?” she wondered as she pulled the blankets close around her. Then she quickly reached over to her bedside table and felt around for her little white ceramic cross. Picking it up, she felt a sense of relief, and she held it close. Now I’m safe. Nothing can hurt me when I hold my cross, she thought. Jillian relaxed and happily went back to sleep.

At breakfast the next morning, Jillian told her mother about the noise that had awakened her. “I’m so glad Aunty May gave me that cross for my birthday,” said Jillian. “When I held it, I went right back to sleep.”

“Well, dear, I’m glad you were comforted when you held that cross,” said Mom, “but you do know that your little ceramic cross doesn’t really protect you, don’t you?”

“It doesn’t?” asked Jillian.

Mom shook her head. “Do you know what the cross stands for?” she asked.

“Sure.” Jillian nodded. “Jesus died on the cross for my sins,” she said.

“That’s right,” said Mom. “I’m glad you understand the importance of that. The cross should remind you of what God did for you, but it’s only a symbol. If you trust in the cross itself, you’re really making it an idol. Instead, remember that Jesus is always with you, and trust in Him.”

Jill slowly nodded. “Okay,” she said, “but… it would be okay to look at my cross just to remind myself that Jesus is with me, wouldn’t it?”

“Only if you’re sure you’re putting your trust in Jesus, not in the symbol,” said Mom. “The cross should remind you of what God did for you. Let it remind you that He died for you, but remember that He’s alive today. The cross can’t take care of you, but Jesus can. When you’re afraid or in trouble, He will comfort and help you.”

“I’ll remember,” replied Jillian. “I’ll remember He’s with me all the time.”

Thought: May I put my trust in God alone.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, some may think there’s something magical about a cross, or some figurine or other item they associate with Jesus. Please remind me that those things are only symbols. Let them remind me that Jesus died for my sins, and help me remember that He is alive now! Because He lives and loves me, I need not be afraid. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.