Our Security
When faced with trials, to whom or what do you turn? Think about the last stressful or frightening situation you faced. What was your response? Pause for a moment to consider. This is a tough question that requires each of us to be honest as we review our behavior and character.
Was your first instinct for comfort from the world? Maybe it was the comfort that food offers? Or shopping? Maybe it was alcohol? Or could it have been simply to zone out online in the safety of social media or another easily accessed distraction? If your comfort was of the world, what sort of respite did it offer you? How long did that solace last? Did the comfort you found have a cost? These temporary, worldly comforts almost always do.
That’s because they give us peace only for a moment. They function as temporary coping mechanisms and do not give us the lasting security that we need. That illusion of peace wears off and what follows is an even deeper insecurity often resulting in depression and anxiety.
So where do we turn? How do we face our most difficult days? What if these earthly stressors and troubles are a call from the Lord to draw near to Him?
Insecurity is the result of expecting from people or things what only God can give us. People and things will only disappoint. Only God can offer us true security. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Looking back through trials in my own life, I can see the acts of God’s love. He removed from my life people and possessions that became objects of false security. And in the brokenness, I found peace. In the hard times, I found a reason to praise. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4).
We have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. It is then when we will see God’s hand in our lives. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
If you were to lose everything, would you feel secure in who you are in Christ? The rewards of finding your security in the Lord and God’s love for you will bring not only strength, but peace, joy, and a reason to praise. It is in those moments of praising when you are shining as a light to the world.
Today’s Challenge: Look back at the first paragraph in this devotion and at your response. In that last instance of stress in your life, where did you go for comfort? Unless it was into the arms of the Savior, set up a plan to prevent that from being your response next time. Plan to head into God’s Word and into His presence with prayer and quiet time. Then, wait as your fear turns to reassurance and your sadness to joy and thanksgiving.
Forty Days of Faithful 
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