February 9, 2016
. . . but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. Proverbs 1:33
Do you consider yourself safe at all times? As for me, I feel my residence is in a safe area where crime is virtually non-existent. I also feel confident going to work and experiencing no problems in walking there. However, let us look at another side of safety.
What does it mean to be safe as a Christian? There are some who feel they are “safe” because there’s a Savior with them at all times. The word savior refers to one who saves. The ancient Israelites were safe because they were under the Lord’s protection: “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.” (Exodus13:21) What a feeling to know He shows the way for we can be safe. Several chapters later, in Leviticus, God informs the people “I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid.” Wouldn’t it be a different world if the peoples of the universe could relax knowing there is “Someone” who will protect them with peace in their land? There are other examples in the Old Testament where the Lord informs His people they will live in safety.
The Living Bible is used by one commentator to note safety also means security or simply to be secure. He uses John 6:39 as his example:”And this is the will of God, that I should lose even one of all those He has given me, but that I should raise them to eternal life at the Last Day.” His interpretation follows: “We need the security of being under Christ’s protection. Christ will not let His people be overcome by Satan and lose their salvation.”
We have seen through Biblical examples the importance of safety. When we go out for a walk, retire for the night or drive somewhere, it is helpful to know that “Security is based on God, not objects or people.” Quite simply, He is all you need.
Prayer: Help us Lord to realize nothing can harm or bother us and remember that only You can provide us with safety and security in what we do. Amen
Jeff Spang