Security is a big deal and a huge money maker in today’s economy. But home security systems, vehicle air bags, passwords, birth control pills, yearly physicals, savings accounts, and pension plans provide only temporary peace of mind. As Americans, we spend billions of dollars on hi-tech self-protection equipment to find that they are often rendered obsolete even before the warrantee expires.
We are obsessed with attempting to remove all possible inconveniences, accidents, thefts, and unwanted consequences from our lives. In essence, we are seeking the absence of trouble. We want peace of mind and that is what many of these security devices and measures claim to offer.
Gadgets break, stock markets crash, and people let us down. Despite all the precautions we take, life dishes out its share of calamity. But the only fully dependable and lasting peace comes from our security in Christ—knowing that we never have to face life alone. God is in control and always present with us. That is really the only absolute security we can count on.
Although it is prudent to take safety precautions and plan wisely for our future, we must ultimately put our trust in God. Depending on man or the things of this world for our security makes about as much sense as anchoring ourselves to the rear bumper of a city bus. Sure, it feels strong and stable right now, but wait till it takes off!
What King David Understood
The Psalmist, King David, understood this. As a shepherd, he carried a sling. As a soldier, he carried a sword. As a general, he had an army. As a king, he had his mighty men. Ultimately, though, he knew in his heart that only God’s presence would protect Him, and that is where he found peace.
David declared, “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.” (Psalm 16:5, Psalm 16:8-9)
Trusting the Lord puts us in the lap of the One who will protect us, watch over us, help us through our problems, and make us better people because of them. We can rest in the peace and presence of a caring, loving God who will never leave or forsake us—even when it seems that the world is crashing down on us.
God has given us His Holy Spirit. “When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14) You are in God’s watch-care and so am I. Praise God!
Scripture Reading: Psalm 18:1-19
Personal Application: Spend time in prayer thanking the Lord for the security you enjoy in Him. Practice resting in Him and His peace when things go sideways.
Wendell Morton and Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5