Safety

“My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18

I was shopping recently, when I observed a mom and her two children. One was trying to stand up in the cart to climb out, while the other was out of control racing around the cart, throwing things into the cart, and trying to entice his brother to join in. Mom was trying to stay calm but, being a mom, I saw that look of, “Oh my gosh, how am I to fix this? I so need to get a handle on this.”

So, knowing kiddos, I approached the mom and smiled as I stopped the chaotic child as he rounded the cart with a “Hi, what’s your name?” He, about four years old, slowed and answered. As I had his attention, the other child, a toddler, became aware of me and so I engaged him as well, giving mom a moment to re-compose herself. I knew the writing on this wall. It was not a safe situation for anyone.

I know I have had those moments where safety was an issue, and I knew I needed to “get a handle on this”—but how? Things can seem so out of control, I am overwhelmed. What do you do when you know things are not right, not safe? Safe is a word that can mean a lot of different things—personal safety, physical safety, even our mental safety, or just not feeling safe, calm, or in control. When I have been out of sorts with myself or someone else, things do tend to get out of the safe area and into the chaos area.

How are we to get back into our own safe area? I know I usually try to handle it myself! I can do this—until I see I’m so frustrated and nothing is working, yet I still trudge on, thinking I’m the only one that can fix this issue. I should be able to keep safe, no matter the problem. I know how to do this. Then why am I not succeeding? Why are all my safe havens not working? Because, dear one, I have not called on the name of the only One who really can keep me safe, no matter the issue.

“He will never let me stumble, slip, or fall. For he is always watching, never sleeping” (Psalm 121:3-4 NLT)

 If you are feeling unsafe with any issue or situation, and you know you can’t fix it, then take this moment to call on the One we know who can keep us safe: Jesus. He’ll intercede for you and show you His caring heart, a heart you can depend on at all times.

Father God, Your Word tells us that You can keep us from stumbling, and that You are a shield in times of trouble. Safe Haven, come now and show us your mighty power. Amen!