Safety

<<security, protection>>

Noah, his family and the animals were kept safe inside the ark, while those outside perished (Gen 7:22,23). Christians are safe ‘in the arms of Jesus’ with our eternal destiny secure even though trials, tribulations and persecutions will come, with some even being martyred for their faith (Act 7:59,60, 12:2; 2 Cor 11:23-27; Heb 11:35-37). Even in the darkest valley God is still watching over us, and no one can snatch us out of His hands (Ps 23:4, 57:1; Jn 10:28,29, 17:12). David prayed, “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” (Ps 17:8). He recognised the significance of coming under, and being in submission to, God’s authority and divine protection. “If you make God your dwelling, then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near you. For He will command His angels to guard you in all your ways...to protect you...” (Ps 91:9-14).

Bad things do happen to genuine Christians yet none of them happen without being approved by God as in the case of Job. Just as he was vindicated so those who remain faithful will be; even though they experience tragedy on earth they will reap blessing in heaven (Job 1:12-2:7, 42:10-17; 1 Pet 4:19; Rev 2:10, 13:10). “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die,

As a believer I am safe in the arms of Jesus

we belong to (or are safe in) the Lord” (Rom 14:8). Praise God, He will never leave us, and nothing can separate us from His love with all things working out for our good (Rom 8:28,35,37-39; Heb 13:5).

“Our God is able to save us, but if He does not, we are still committed to Him” (Dan 3:17,18, 6:13-24). Paul was stoned almost to death and later, with Silas, was severely beaten (Act 14:19, 16:22,23). Would I be as determined to live for God as these people did, regardless of the personal cost?

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you” for the name of the Lord provides safety for the righteous, so run to God – the anchor for your soul (Prov 18:10, 29:25; Isa 26:3; Heb 6:18,19). God provides safety, watching over the righteous (those who have come to Him for salvation) with His everlasting arms underneath, so we can confidently expect Him to keep what we have committed to Him, as we are shielded by His power (Deut 33:27; Ps 1:6, 4:8, 121:7,8, 145:20; Jn 3:17; Act 2:21; 2 Tim 1:12; 1 Pet 1:5).

As well as our eternal safety in God, there is practical safety in the advice of others (Prov 11:14, 24:6). Especially in ‘difficult situations’ it is wise to consult with a mentor, elders or other trusted people before taking action. Commonsense and wisdom help guard against danger and misfortune.

In these increasingly perilous times, discerning people are realising their accumulation of possessions are not adequate protection against the woes facing the world. The Bible also speaks of those engrossed in seeming "Peace and safety" whom the Lord's return will catch off guard (1 Thes 5:1-3).