Security In . . .

So the total number of Israelite men counted in the census numbered 601,730. Numbers 26:51 NLT

Numbers don’t always provide security; sometimes it’s found in other things.

Our third grandson was what I classified as “high maintenance.” The first we could feed, rock to sleep, and place on the bed. He would stay there for hours. He was content to lie on the floor and entertain himself when awake. While the third loved to be fed and rocked to sleep also, lying on the bed by himself didn’t work. Occasionally, he would sleep for several hours, but it wasn’t the norm. Playing on a blanket on the floor didn’t interest him either.

My wife’s cure was, “I’m fixin' to swaddle him.” Then, she would place one of his blankets on the floor, nestle him in it, and tightly wrap his arms and legs. Once asleep, he would snooze for hours. Security.

Numbers is aptly named. In this particular instance, it’s about the number of men of military age. When the leaders finished the second census, they gave the number to Moses and Eleazar, who must have found great comfort in the results. More than 600,000 men would provide security as the people entered the Promised Land and faced their enemies.

While we often find security in numbers, it’s not sure. Security is one of our basic needs, so it’s essential to find it somewhere. Wrapping ourselves in a blanket or joining the military won’t necessarily provide it.

Merely telling others we find security in our relationship with Christ is somewhat shallow. It goes deeper than a flippant statement. Details are needed. What’s involved in the relationship is crucial for us to understand and others to hear.

Within the relationship is the knowledge God has accepted us into His family and that nothing can separate us from His love. He not only numbers us among his family but also among his friends. What He holds securely, no one can snatch. God actually enjoys hanging around with me.

Knowing God orchestrates the details of our lives and maneuvers them to form us into His Son’s image is also comforting.  Believing this helps me view life’s events—pleasant or not—through a different lens. Nothing happens randomly or by chance. Nor is it controlled by fate.

A relationship with God is the source of ultimate security. In what are you finding security?

Father, I praise You for the security I can find in my walk with You.  

Tweetable: In what do you find security?    

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God’s Safe Place - Martin Wiles

As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Exodus 33:22 NLT

She had been abused and needed a safe place.

Johnnie was in a situation of her own making. For 13 years, she had endured an abusive marriage—one she entered to escape the harsh atmosphere of her upbringing.

When the opportunity came for Johnnie to move out, she took it. Jim seemed like a good guy when she dated him, but his true identity revealed itself shortly after she said, “I do.” Abusive words, demeaning remarks, bruises. They all became the norm. Johnnie tried to fend them off but had to admit they were taking their toll on her self-esteem.

Eventually, Johnnie decided she’d had enough, but she needed a safe place. She didn’t turn to a home for abusive women but rather contacted her parents. By this time, her dad had mellowed. She thought she could endure life with them until she could make other arrangements.

Moses needed a safe place too. While he was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments from God, the people were below partying as if they had no God they were accountable to. When God told Moses to leave the mountain and take the people with him—but that He wouldn’t be tagging along, it was more than Moses could stand. God decided to give them another chance, but Moses needed reassurance. So God placed Moses in a crevice and let him glance at His presence as He passed by.

Life is tough and filled with many experiences I’d rather not repeat. Wallowing in self-pity or in the memory of the event only keeps me smelling the toxic nature of what I have experienced. A better course is asking God to put me in His safe place.

When God places me in His safe place, He reassures me of His presence. 

If separation has taken place, it’s because I left Him—not because He left me. He promises never to abandon His children. In God’s safe places, I’m also reminded of who He is and who I’m not. He is the all-powerful Creator who is qualified to lead me through any and every circumstance, protecting me in the process.

Moses had nothing to fear; nor do I. And neither do you. When life gets tough, ask God to put you in His safe place where you can find grace, reassurance, and peace.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the safe places You provide when life is more than we can handle. 

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