What makes you feel safe?  Safety is extremely important to me.  Since I scored a 6 on the Enneagram it reinforced what I already knew.  Safety is the key motivator for a “Loyalist” personality type.  Websters tells us the definition of safe is “protected from or not exposed to danger or risk; not likely to be harmed or lost.”  Safety is a place we can relax and experience a peaceful rest. We know we are protected and covered.

Safety is a key factor in relationships.  When safety departs from a relationship, authenticity leaves, and masks will be worn.  Can you be yourself in your relationships?  It’s so important.  As I heard John Lynch say, “If you wear a mask, only the mask can receive love.”  When this happens there will be a hole on the inside of us that longs to be filled. The relationship will become superficial.  We were created for real connection.

Let’s see what God’s Word says about safety.  Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run into it and is safe ”  This verse is in a popular song.  I’ll never forget the day I had to ask someone a very hard question.  This song was playing as I was driving to their house. It gave me peace.

If you are a believer, the Bible describes you as righteous.  Righteousness is not about behavior, even though our behavior is important.  Righteousness is a gift that has been given to us by Jesus.  (See Romans 5:17 & Titus 3:4-7)  On second thought, I’ll write that verse here.  It’s so good!  Titus 3:4-7 says, “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.  He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Because of his grace, he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.  Wow!  We are in right standing with God because of what Jesus did on the cross.  When we feel unsafe, we can run into a strong tower named Jesus!

Psalms 4:8 says, “In peace, I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, Oh Lord, make me dwell in safety.”  That’s a great verse for the day and time in which we live.  Between riots, uncertain presidential elections, and deadly viruses there are lots of opportunities to remind ourselves that we have a Heavenly Father that cares about our emotions.  You will see over and over in the scriptures that people cry out to the Lord.  There’s certainly nothing wrong with running to Him with our fears when we feel overwhelmed.  2020 has been full of uncertainty and anxiety for most.  Are you running to Him?

Jesus told us in John 6:33, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”  May we keep our eyes on Him as our world struggles to make sense of a very volatile time.  May we keep our prayers for our country and the world lifted high each day.  HE is our hope and HE is our peace.  I decided to look up the word “confidence” in the Scriptures.  There were so many great verses.  I love Hebrews 4:15, “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  May we remember we are IN Him and He is IN us! (John 14:20 – “In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”  Can we be any more safe and secure?