Our security and hope

Sometimes I feel insecure! I find myself wondering, "What does he think of me?" or "Am I doing a good job?" In a situation where I am surrounded by people I do not know, I look for a corner in the room where I can stand aside and watch others, deciding how I fit in! Sometimes I foolishly measure myself using superficial standards to try to overcome a nagging sense that I am not 'good enough.' And, sometimes I avoid situations for no better reason than to avoid the feelings of insecurity that might come over me.

Insecurity is a common feeling. Why not? This world is full of reasons for fear! Hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes tear through neighborhoods. The machines of war spread death and destruction. Friends turn fickle. Our own bodies betray us with disease and aging. Despite our best intentions we often disappoint ourselves by saying and/or doing things we should not say or do! We need not live long to realize our relative weakness - physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually- in the face of the threats that surround us, threats both real and imagined. Our fears demand relief and we find many ways to cover our insecurities. Some of our choices are certainly better than others, but all those focused on ourselves, fail to achieve the desired end. For example:

We bluff and bluster with boastful words.
We criticize others, somehow thinking that noting their flaws hides our own.
We drink too much or party too heartily.
We seek endless diversions in pleasure.
We work to gain degrees, awards, and certificates that 'prove' our worth and our significance.
We build financial portfolios to guarantee our future.
We diet and exercise trying to beat back the evidence of aging.
We learn to speak, dress, and act in ways that project an air of confidence, a cultivated image of acceptability.
We may even use our religion as a security blanket, wrapping ourselves in familiar rituals and words that help us to feel comfort.

True security can be found! It is not resident in you and me, but in Another. Consider this instruction given to God's people. "Don’t be fearful... don’t turn your back on God. Worship and serve him heart and soul! Don’t chase after ghost-gods. There’s nothing to them. They can’t help you. They’re nothing but ghost-gods! God, simply because of who he is, is not going to walk off and leave his people. God took delight in making you into his very own people. ... fear God and worship him honestly and heartily. You’ve seen how greatly he has worked among you!" (1 Samuel 12:20-24, The Message)

We are beloved of God - not because of who we are, not because of what we have done, but because it is His Nature to love! His declaration is: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV) Paul points us toward the facts - contrasting our flaws and God's faithfulness when he writes: At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another." I can identify, how about you? Are you feeling insecure? Read on! "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior," (Titus 3:3-6, NIV)

When insecurity creeps up on you, don't look around.
Look up! Thank God for your eternal security that is anchored in His unchanging character and overflowing love.
Let Him be your Rock, then LIVE confidently - not in self-confidence, but in God-confidence.
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A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty Fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world,
With devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear,
For God hath willed,
His will to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
We tremble not for him.
His rage we can endure,
For, lo, his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours,
Through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also.
The body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still.
His kingdom is forever.

--Luther, Martin; Copyright: Public Domain