“Why do we have so many pillows on our bed? What purpose do they serve? I don’t get it.” My dear husband asked me these questions one morning. I simply replied, “they are decorative, essential, and strategically placed, honey.” This got me thinking about how God gave explicit directions for the building of the tabernacle in the book of Exodus. There was a strategy and a purpose behind everything that was placed in the tabernacle. All the materials, including wood, fabrics, leathers, metals, oils, precious gems, and incense had purpose and meaning. The exact measurements and placement of all the articles and furniture were included in His blueprint of the tabernacle.

Exodus 25:8-9 says, “Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them, according to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture just so you shall construct it.” God cares about the details of His tabernacle. His instructions were exact. This was His tabernacle designed for Him to dwell in. The two parts of the tabernacle were the holy place and the holy of holies.

The holy of holies was only entered once a year by the high priest. There is a certain amount of holy fear that should be evoked here. Being in God’s presence was not to be taken lightly. This should give us pause to remember to do the same. No one could casually enter into the tabernacle. There were specific steps and regulations God required. This was a sacred place that was reserved for God. A.W. Tozer says, “When God gave to Moses the blueprint of the tabernacle, He was careful to include every detail lest Moses should get the notion that he could improve on the original plan.”

God has a blueprint of our lives as well. He knew us before we were formed in our mother's womb so we can be assured He has always been involved in our lives, from beginning to end. When we stop and think about all the details of our lives, remembering He was instrumental in its planning, we can’t help but be in awe. Your DNA, your parents, your life’s journey, who you would marry, specific joys and trials, your spiritual gifts, and even your departure date for heaven are all part of God’s plan. They serve as reminders of who is really in control.

The blueprint of each of our lives is strategically planned by a living God given to details. I find it comforting to know that God is a God of details. Especially when I don’t have answers for trials, suffering, or pain. I struggle with always wanting to know what’s next and why. I would prefer my answers now, thank you very much! Learning to rest and trust when I don’t have answers is an ongoing lesson. I am comforted simply knowing He knows, and that’s enough. It’s all part of His grand design for each of us.

Speaking of grand designs, I feel like my multiple, well-placed bed pillows are of great importance. Ben mentioned in his message that God is artistically interested in aesthetics. So the many bed pillows have a purpose and are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Sounds good to me!