Tag Archives: Safety

God – The Place of Safety During a Time of Peril

30 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Religion, Spiritual

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Over the last month, our world has witnessed unspeakable tragedies at the hands of terrorists who desired to kill innocent civilians. One of the major tragedies which took place was in Paris France. On November 13th, 130 people were killed in multiple locations by those who had a connection to the terrorist organization called ISIS. In addition to this tragedy, there were other terrorist attacks that occurred shortly after in Africa. Boko-Haram which is another terrorist group also claimed the lives of innocent civilians.

The last few weeks has been a trying time for many worldwide. After such death took place, many continued to ponder why, and how such atrocities could occur. Our world is seemingly experiencing a quagmire of events, but the question on the minds of many is, ‘Is there hope?’ Is our world so broken and divided that hope cannot be found? The answer to that question can be found in the book of Psalms, chapter 91.

Based on historical accounts and commentaries, it is unclear as to whether or not this Psalm was written by a man named Moses or if it was written by the Psalmist David. However, it is believed that David was the writer of this chapter. In this passage, the writer is proclaiming the very safety and sanctuary that God provides to those who are in a relationship with Him. This period of scripture was written during a time of pestilence and great despair.

Verses 1-4:

(NLV) “He who lives in the safe place of the Most High will be in the shadow of the All-powerful. I will say to the Lord, “You are my safe and strong place, my God, in Whom I trust.” For it is He who takes you away from the trap, and from the killing sickness. He will cover you with His wings. And under His wings you will be safe. He is faithful like a safe-covering and a strong wall. “

In the first verse the writer says, that the person who lives in the safe place of the Most High will be in the shadow of the All-powerful. Essentially, this means that anyone who lives or abides in God through Jesus Christ shall be hidden under the safety and presence of Almighty God. The way of the world is to operate in fear and dismay. That isn’t to say that you and I do not experience moments of concern or that we are never afraid.

However, the key is that when your life is hidden in God through Jesus Christ, then you are no longer vulnerable nor are you fearful. The reason is because it is God who is the one who is your place of refuge. The media has become prolific in pushing satan’s agenda of fear. Satan understands that if he can create an atmosphere of fear, then he will cripple those who are open and willing to listen.

Instead, the Psalmist encourages us to trust in the Lord who is the one who is our place of safety. However, the only way that you can experience God’s provision is by having a relationship with Jesus Christ. In doing so, you will live or abide in the presence of God when you are living in submission unto Him.

Verses 5-7 continues by impressing the point of living in reliance upon God and not being afraid. The essence of these verses is that God will protect those who have chosen to abide in Him. Verse 7 points out that there will be those around you who may befall destruction, but if you are in God through Christ then you will be in a safe position.

Verses 8-10:

(NLV) “You will look on with your eyes, and see how the sinful are punished. Because you have made the Lord your safe place, and the Most High the place where you live, nothing will hurt you. No trouble will come near your tent.”

Verse 8 is clear that those who are sinful or have chosen not to live in God through Christ will receive their due judgment. In these dangerous times, it is paramount that we find ourselves living in God and also living for Him. The fact is that the escalation of sin in our world has made it increasingly necessary to be found in the safety of the Lord. Without Him, your life is left open to the tactics and snares of the enemy.

However, the scripture says in verse 9 that those who have made God their place of safety will be covered under God’s protection. The key is remembering that if you live outside of the parameters of God, then you are open to anything that may occur. It is the person who lives a life that is anchored in sin, who will suffer the consequences.

The above scripture is not to be taken to mean that a person who is in Christ will never experience trouble. Since we are all human, we will all face challenges and times of trouble. However, the meaning of verse 9 is to suggest that you will be spared from destruction rather than overtaken by it.

Verses 11-13 further establishes what the Psalmists suggests which is that God will protect those who are in Him. Verse 11 says that God’s angels will watch over those who trust in the Lord. Verses 12-13 continue by pointing to the ability that we who are in Christ have to overcome difficult and troubling situations.

This chapter closes with final words of encouragement in verses 14-16:

(NLV) “Because he has loved me, I will bring him out of trouble. I will set him in a safe place on high because he has known my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will take him out of trouble and honor him. I will please him with long life. And I will show him my saving power.”

Once again, the last verses confirm the notion that even those of us who are Christians will experience troubling situations. However, the promise is that God will deliver us out of perilous occurrences. Notice the words, “because he has known my name.” This is meant to denote that there is a relationship between God and an individual.

There are many who call on God’s name in the time of trouble, but yet they are not saved. The reason is because God does not recognize a person who hasn’t given their life to Jesus Christ. It is when you surrender your life to Christ that God recognizes you and that you can have a relationship with Him. Only those who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ will be those who are hidden in God’s safety.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? If not, then today is the best day for redemption. The world that we are living in is becoming more sinful and it is more dangerous than ever before. Rather than being in a state of vulnerability, it is more beneficial to accept Christ as your savior by confessing your sins. Then you must turn from your sinfulness and live a life in righteousness and obedience. If you desire safety in these dangerous times, then reach out to Jesus Christ and accept Him. God wants to be your place of safety.

Finding Safety in the Fortress

13 Wednesday May 2015

Posted by in Christian, Christianity, God, Inspiration, Jesus Christ, Love, Spiritual

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ID-10056328In a time of peril and unrest, there are many who are seeking shelter and safety. Every day, there are countless tragedies which are displayed on the morning or evening news. Millions are seeking refuge in various forms as a way to cope and shield themselves from what occurs daily.  While others are panicked, as they attempt to ascertain why our world is as dangerous as it appears to be. The fact is, we are living in a world that isn’t always conducive for our daily living.  One might read these words and feel as if there isn’t any hope.  However, there is hope, and that hope comes in the form of a loving God who sent His son Jesus to die for the sins of the world.

In Psalm 18:2, the song writer David proclaims God’s greatness regarding the security that God and God alone can give. He says, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”  David understood what we must understand and that is, that God is the one and only one who can provide safety in a time of chaos.  The key term that David uses is, “fortress”. What is a fortress?

According to Dictionary.com, a fortress is defined as the following:

1. A large fortified place; a fort or group of forts, often including a town;citadel.

2. Any place of exceptional security; stronghold.

The characteristics of a fortress involve that of extreme security which means that it is difficult or near impossible for outside forces to enter.  A fortress especially for military purposes, is a building or complex that contains external and internal defenses.  If an enemy attempts to gain entry or attack a heavily fortified fortress, then the enemy will find themselves denied of access. David uses the term fortress because he is describing the attribute of God which is that of guaranteed protection.  A fortress is synonymous to a stronghold in which those who are in need of protection can run into it, and are hidden from the outside.

That is what God is and can be for you and I.  In the midst of a chaotic world, when violence in addition to unfortunate tragedies persist, you and I have a fortress in God. In Proverbs 18:10, it says, “The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”  This is another declaration of how strong and mighty God is to those who trust in Him.  However, in that verse, there is a key word that should not be missed.  The word that the writer uses is “godly”.  King Solomon who wrote the book of Proverbs, uses the word “godly” to denote the fact that only those who are following God in obedience will benefit from safety.

The distinguishing difference between those who are in Christ and those who are living by their sinful nature is that those who are in sin, do not have a covering.  The word “covering” means that there is a level of protection that is either present or it has been lifted.  Those who are in rebellion against God, are living in an uncovered state.  This means, that whatever occurs will usually happen because they were left open to what our enemy satan has designed.

Have you ever noticed how there are so many celebrities that are seemingly suffering from various addictions (i.e. drugs, sexual) in addition to their lives seeming as if they are out of control?  Much of this is because their lives are uncovered from the protection that God provides. Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death, death both in the spiritual and physical sense.

In Isaiah 59:2 it says,

“But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” It is important to note that the prophet Isaiah, was speaking to those in the nation of Judah in this scripture.  Isaiah was tasked with speaking to the people of Judah about their sin and un-repentance. However, in verse 9, Isaiah says that the sins of those in Judah have caused a separation from God.  However, in the latter part of that verse it says that the sins committed have caused God’s face to be hidden in addition to God no longer listening to the words of those who are in need.

The point to be made is that in order for you and I to benefit from God’s safety, we must live Holy lives that are pleasing unto God.  If you desire to be protected from life’s circumstances, then the best place to be found is in a posture of worship and obedience unto God  As a disclaimer, it is important to note that even if you have committed your life to God, you will face challenges.  It is because we are in a sinful world, that no one is immune to difficulty that may happen.  However, the best thing about living for God, is that you have someone who can stand for you when everything around you may be crashing down.

If you have noticed, the intensity of tragic events is increasing worldwide. Even in America, we are seeing various instances of challenges both financially and otherwise that seemingly no one can explain.  As the prophet Isaiah mentioned to the nation of Judah, there are consequences for sinfulness.  Any nation that decides to balk against God’s decrees will face hardship and eventually destruction.  The reason is because God removes His covering when humanity is in an un-reprentant state.  Many Americans and even those living in other countries are experiencing hardship in part because of the corruption and sinfulness that resides within their land.

However, the good news is that you and I can find safety in the one and true God who is Jehova.  Attempting to find safety in the world will only lead to more insecurity, and dashed hopes.  Your politicians, your bank account, nor can any other material possession offer you the safety that God offers through Jesus Christ.  God is a fortress in a time of despair, and anyone who trusts in Him by accepting Jesus Christ through the confession of their sins, shall be saved.

God offers the safety that all of humanity is seeking.  You can reside within the impenetrable fortress that God Himself is.  Even if you find yourself in hardship, the fact that you will have a loving and capable God on your side is enough to protect you from utter destruction.  God wants to give you what the world cannot.  Only in Christ will you find complete satisfaction and a life that is shielded from the evil schemes that satan presents. You will find that you will be in a strengthened and fortified position, by relying on the only fortress that cannot be broken, and that is the Lord God.