Readings for today: Psalms 15, 23-25, 47
Human beings have an innate need for security. Without it, we cannot flourish. Not as individuals. Not as families. Not as a society. I think of the nations I’ve worked in where there is no security. The result is all kinds of lawlessness and violence. The people there experience all kinds of pain and suffering. They are often left helpless and without hope. I think of the work a dear friend of mine is doing among immigrants in a city just north of me. So much of his focus is to bring security to a very insecure population. He works on issues like legal security, food security, housing security, and job security. Most of all, he works on spiritual security. Eternal security. Something every human being desperately needs. Recently, I was talking to someone I love dearly about his life. He has lived a quarter century at this point and most of that time has been a struggle. By his own admission, he keeps trying to do things his own way but it’s not working out for him. He wants desperately to be free of his addictions. He would love to let go of the guilt and shame of his past. He lives with all kinds of regrets over the choices he’s made. What he’s longing for is the security only Jesus can bring.
The Psalms talk a lot about how to live a secure life. First and foremost, we place our trust in God. The One who owns the earth and all it contains. The One who runs the world and all that is in it. (Psalms 24) We trust Him because He promises to provide for our needs and lead us to green pastures and still waters and restore our souls. He never leaves us or forsakes us but is with us through every dark valley in life. (Psalm 23) The more we trust God, the more we walk in His ways. We do what is right. We speak honestly. We do no harm to others. We keep our promises. (Psalms 15) Our deeds become blameless. Our hearts become pure. (Psalms 24)
God rewards those who seek Him and those who follow Him with a secure life. Not an easy life. Not a comfortable life. Not a pain-free life. But a secure life. A life that stands no matter how many storms come our way. We do not obey God in order to gain this life or earn this life but our obedience is a natural response to the life we are given when we begin a relationship with Him. Holiness and purity and righteousness characterize the lives of those who love God. And it’s why we can rest secure. Because we dwell with Him. In His home. On His holy hill. On the mountain of the Lord. In His holy dwelling place.
Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 89, 96, 100, 101, 107