Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. – Psalm 71:3
Safety and security are almost an essential part of our human existence. Of course there are some physiological needs that comes first; air, food, water, shelter warmth, sleep. These are all necessary to sustain life, but beyond that comes safety. The idea that one is secure is a need that comes almost immediately at birth. A baby is born, and begins to cry, but nestled in it’s mother’s arms, and given milk, the baby is soothed, and soon suckles and sleeps. The baby has realized it is safe and secure.
Throughout our lives we come to times when our security is challenged. Sometimes by our own actions, as we get older and venture to do things that assert our independence. However, we typically do so with some kind of safety-net. That is, we may spend the first night away from home, but know we can call mom and dad, if needed. Or we may go off somewhere to college, but know we can return home, if needed.
Eventually, we think we can provide our own security, through job stability, health insurance, steady paycheck and such, our desired needs have stretch well beyond security at this point. However, when something happens, we immediately revert back, and want to feel safe once more.
Some have said that security is nothing more than an illusion, but I disagree. Security is something that runs deep inside of us, though on the surface it can be taken away, it doesn’t disappear altogether. Not as long as there is hope.
Our greatest security, or at least our greatest hope, is found in our relationship with God. I have found, that even in times when life has been frazzled, when I’ve been shaken, even deeply, I find security in knowing the rock in which is my fortress and my salvation. Today’s psalm verse is a request of the psalmist, that God would be that refuge and strong fortress, knowing that it is in the Lord’s arms that we are truly secure.
We might remember the words of, Rev. Martin Luther, who nearly 500 years ago penned: A mighty fortress is our God. I’m drawn, however to the final stanza of that hymn which says:
That word above all earthly powers—
No thanks to them—abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also:
The body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is for ever.
We rest securely even now, knowing that we belong to the kingdom that is forever with the one who abideth still. May you rest securely in the arms of your Savior today. Amen.
Grace & Peace,
Sam