“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
Despite all the turmoil around us, we can experience God’s peace and presence. Today, there is no shortage of security systems, airbags in vehicles, safety barriers, birth control pills, yearly physicals, savings accounts, and pension plans that help us feel more secure. But the only real peace and security comes from knowing that we never have to face life alone. God is always here with us.
The Psalmist, King David understood this. As a shepherd, he carried a sling. As a soldier he carried swords. As a general, he had an army. As a king he had guards. But ultimately, he knew in his heart that only God’s presence was the true source of peace.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll said this about security:
Before the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost (Acts 2), the Spirit of God never permanently rested on any believer except David and John the Baptizer. Those are the only two. It was not uncommon for the Spirit of God to come for a temporary period of strengthening or insight or whatever was the need of the moment and then to depart, only to return again for another surge of the need of the moment, then to depart once again.
However, at Pentecost and from that time on, all the way through our present era, when the Spirit of God comes into the believing sinner at salvation, He never leaves. He comes and baptizes us into the body of Christ.
That same Spirit resides in all of us. If we feel like the Spirit has left, we need to track the footprints and recognize that we are the ones who walked away. The Holy Spirit stands waiting within our souls to be tapped into and appropriated for God’s glory.
We often look for security in places that can only provide temporary peace of mind. We will spend billions of dollars on hi-tech self-protection equipment only to find that they are often rendered obsolete before the warranties expire.
I’m reminded of a story that warns us about putting our trust in the things of this world:
On a blustery day, a fellow was working on his roof, which had a sharp peak. So he decided to be safe he should somehow secure himself to something on the earth. He tied a rope around his waist, pulled it tight, climbed to the roof, and went over the peak. Then he threw the rope over the side and said to his boy, “Tie that to the tree.” Well, the little kid thought, “That tree is rather small.” So he tied the rope to the bumper of his dad’s car.
Mom was busy in the house with chores of her own. She discovered; however, that she needed to make a quick trip to the store. She went out, put the car in reverse, and the guy came off the roof in fast order.
This guy’s trust in the rope is just like those who hang on to religion or idols for security. Religion and idols are a curse. It isn’t a cure.
Having a personal faith in the living God through Jesus Christ is about personal relationship and that is a cure for those seeking absolute security.
When you feel faint-hearted, ask yourself if you really know the peace God has promised. Becoming a believer didn’t erase all our problems or change the world to a positive atmosphere. But becoming a believer does put you in the lap of the One who will protect you, watch over you, help you through the problems, and make you a better person because of them You can rest in the peace and presence of a caring, loving God who will never leave or forsake you. You are in God’s watch-care and so am I. Praise God!
“Seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14
Personal Application:
Do you experience the peace, presence, and power of God? Read John 14 and learn how God provides and protects.
What verse best expresses the trust you have in Jesus for protection and comfort? Write it on a small card and place it on your mirror. Read it every morning as you prepare for the day and watch it change your life.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.