Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.
Jeremiah 33:6
Recent events messed with my security.
Like most of the world, I was just sitting at home with my family waiting out this virus. Then, on Easter, an unusually strong storm raced through town, downing trees everywhere and wiping out electricity to thousands of homes and businesses. Suddenly, not only were we required to stay home, but we were thrust into darkness.
Four days passed before the power company restored electricity, and some homes were dark for days longer. During the blackout, the grocery stores were closed, the McDonald’s drive-thru was empty, there was no news on television, no WiFi to connect to, and, worst of all, no coffee in the morning. As the hours and then days passed, my security melted along with the ice cream in the deep freeze.
A new kind of fear was growing, and my chest tightened, and I felt the sting of conviction when I realized the reason for my concern. I am a bit embarrassed to admit it here.
I was afraid of losing the food in my freezer and fridge that I hoarded to get through the stay at home order. (Anybody else? Raise your hand.)
During this time of uncertainty, these times never tread, I depended on a good supply of food and water to keep me feeling safe. And in hours, most of it was gone. Ruined. It was all rubbish.
Where does your security lie?
The dictionary defines security as freedom of fear, anxiety, and danger. Safety.
We are all going through something we have never faced before, and our security feels threatened. I know I feel the twinge of fear, and the anxiety sometimes tightens my throat until I feel like I can’t breathe.
Where does my help come from?
Who and what do we pin our security to? Our job. Our bank account. Our family. Our God.
I’ll be honest–and I didn’t realize this until I started to lose it–I felt secure because I had a well-stocked refrigerator and freezer.
When department stores and workplaces closed and we were told to stay home, like most people, my first thought was to fill the fridge. I think my depression-era grandmother would have done the same. Have food, will survive anything. Maybe.
It was when the electricity was off for the second day that I felt fear creep to the surface. And irrational thoughts began to invade. What are we going to do? No food. No electricity. Darkness. What is going to happen to us?
Don’t get me wrong. I believe God wants us to be wise and be prepared, but He also wants us to depend on Him for ALL of our needs.
Take captive every thought.
My strategy on the third day of darkness, looking at possibly two or three more, was to return to a regular schedule as much as was possible. At the beginning of most days, I try to spend time in prayer and scripture and journaling. With no lamps and marvelous morning weather, I moved to the porch for my quiet time. And…it was heavenly.
Just what I needed to remember God’s presence. After the storm, the sun came out, the birds sang, the grass and trees were gloriously green. Only God’s creation could calm my fears.
Thank you, God, for reminding me that You are with me…and praise you for a shady place to read Your Word and hear Your voice.
Praise God for His Spirit that works in me to will and act for His good purpose.
With no thought of how many pounds of hoarded hamburger meat and frozen chicken was about to take a trip to the garbage dump, I bowed my head and cried. Complaining to God that I was doing everything I could to take my thoughts captive and remember He was in control. But I wasn’t making much progress. I was so scared. I was not feeling safe and filled with fear and anxiety. I was feeling the opposite of security.
And in His grace, I heard God whisper, “your security is in Me.”
I am safe in God. We are secure in God.
There is no virus, storm, or lack of food in the freezer that can harm us. We have no fear because God is for us.
I began to rethink my security. What did I pin my security to? A well-provided pantry or freezer. As I was about to learn, those would dwindle and be no more. Was my security attached to people? Many in my life are just as scared as I am, and they can’t turn on the electricity any faster than the power company.
Is my security dependent on God alone?
Paul writes in Philippians 4:12,
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
In every situation, Paul could be content and feel secure. For he knew where his security came from. He pinned his security to God Almighty.
We can be confident in knowing God sees our needs and provides.
After the storm.
Amid the storm’s damage, each morning, the sunrise was beautiful, the temperature perfect for sleeping and ideal for living on the porch during the day. God gave me everything I needed for that day. Nothing more, nothing less. We did not go without, and, actually, had plenty. My favorite part was making “camping” memories and drinking the melting ice cream.
We can prepare for disasters and lockdowns, but only God will provide for our every need, every day.
What do you need?
At the end of four days, the lights and refrigerator, freezers, and television all came to life, and we were all comfortable again. We did not lose too much food. And, I resisted the need to refill the fridge to feel secure. For today, and hopefully tomorrow, I can remember God’s words and rest in the security of His provision, providence, and promises.
Your Turn
My husband has teased me about how a full fridge makes me happy and secure. What makes you feel secure?
If you have no electricity or internet, how can you turn it around and make memories?
Let’s talk about this. Leave your comments below.
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