I’ve been reflecting on security a lot. My cat finds security in cozy spots - the space between the toilet and the sink, under the covers of my bed, a box of clothes to donate sitting on my closet floor, or even the back of a kitchen cabinet if I accidentally leave it open. When he’s scared or nervous, he’ll crawl into those places because they make him feel safe. 

As a preschool teacher, I watch my students try to find security everyday. They might have a blanket that they bring from home, a special high five that they do with mom before she leaves for the day, or even our classroom routines! We have routines for everything from arrival to washing our hands to picking out books. I’ve seen what happens when a routine breaks down or when something interrupts the routine...mass chaos. You think I’m kidding, but try telling a bunch of 3-5 year olds to wash their hands when the laundry basket has mysteriously gone missing. 

We all, cats, preschoolers, adults, find our security somewhere.  Where do you find yours?

In the current circumstances of life, we can look for security and stability in a lot of different places. In the promises of politicians. In wearing a mask and the practice of social distancing. In a plan for the future. In our family and friends. 

While all of these things are good, none of them guarantee your health or safety or sanity or wealth or anything else!  That’s why we have to look to God and understand that true security won’t look the way we expect. 

When David was writing the psalms, things went wrong. They went so wrong for him and his family and his troops. Despite all of that, he continued to seek God. And when he looked to God for his stability and security, he could rest in the knowledge that God would have his back. 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
His love endures forever.
Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.
Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures forever.”
When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;
He brought me into a spacious place.
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies. 
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. 
All the nations surrounded me, 
but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
They surrounded me on every side, 
but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
They swarmed around me like bees, 
but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
In the name of the Lord I cut them down.
I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and defense; he has become my salvation.”

- Psalm 118:1-14

Trusting in God for your security doesn’t mean that you throw your masks out the window and stop wearing seatbelts. These things were created to preserve our physical bodies. But when it comes to your heart, rest in the knowledge that God will not let you down. Things can go completely haywire around you - people can get sick, you might wreck your car, it’s impossible to plan for the future - but God can still be a place of security for you. His love endures forever. 

Where have you been going for security and comfort?

How can you find your security in the Lord today? 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Elizabeth spent the past six years doing life in Nashville, TN…from grad school to working in a pie shop to running after school programs. But then she got a little antsy. She’s currently in a season of “wandering”…exploring the people, tastes and experiences that the country has to offer. As she set out on this journey her hope was to engage with people in more authentic ways and to hike everything possible.