Searching for Spiritual Safety in Scripture
The perilous and heart-wrenching images of refugees desperately trying to escape from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover has left many of us feeling helpless and somewhat hopeless, but there are occasional bright spots. For example, the father of one young Afghan family that was fortunate enough to make it out of the country expressed his relief upon arriving in the United States, saying, “we feel safe here.”
It reminded me how rarely we have to worry about our own safety in this country. Yes, there are plenty of things about which to be fearful, but our physical safety is rarely threatened, at least not in our community. There are, however, many in this country and
around the world, who live in fear for their safety on a daily basis as violence escalates in cities and towns everywhere.
I can’t remember too many times in my life fearing for my physical safety or the safety of my family. I guess the last time might have been just after 9/11 when we looked to the skies and wondered when the next wave of attacks might be coming.
In situations like that, we are moved to pray, even though we know that we are not always delivered from harm’s way in a physical sense. We do, however, have the assurance that we are always assured of spiritual safety. Here are five excerpts from the Bible that provide perspective and encouragement…
Joshua 1:9 tells us that we are to “be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” That assurance, at the very least, should give us peace of mind.
Psalm 81:1-2 says that “he who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” I believe that God travels with us wherever we go and provides for us regardless of what we might encounter. Perhaps this is enough for us to summon the courage to stand up against that which threatens us and even to rescue others from danger.
Proverbs 18:10 reminds us of the power and might of the God we serve with this passage: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” This is particularly valuable when faced with temptation, encouraging us to run away from the darkness and toward the light.
James 1:12 affirms the value of perseverance with this passage of wisdom: “Blessed is the [one] who remains steadfast under trial, for when [one] has stood the test [one] will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
John 16:33 provides perspective in the end by assuring us that if we walk with God, we will find the ultimate safety. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Let us take heart in the fact that the God we serve has authority over all of creation and that He will never leave us and never forsake us. So let us do all that we can to create an atmosphere of safety for all through our obedience to His Sacred Word. Feel safe and be safe with the inner peace that comes through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John