Security in Perspective

Surveys indicate that security concerns — protection from personal and community violence, survival of a healthy planet, enough food and water for growing populations, enough money for essentials―are high on our list of pressing social issues. Effective law enforcement, international climate agreements, generous aid and development measures and good economic management are often seen as keys to ensuring safety and well-being. The biblical world of the psalmist, too, experienced war and natural disasters that created fear and insecurity. We read of military (1 Sam. 17), agricultural (Gen. 41:33-36) and economic (Lev. 19:9,10; Ruth 2) strategies to assist survival. However, the Bible often takes the perspective that human security lies beyond the best that human effort can provide. It is possible to feel safe and secure even when the worst external challenges surround us.

This psalm tells us what God can do for us and how we can experience it. He provides shelter, shade, refuge, protection, safety, and rescue. His salvation covers us like a hovering mother bird; his faithfulness surrounds us like an impregnable city; and his angels guard us from danger. When we “dwell” in him—a permanent state—we acknowledge our dependence on him, whatever scary circumstances attack us. We love and respect him, and call on him in times of trouble, knowing that he will deliver. Yet, don’t God’s people suffer just like everyone else? Yes, often. Remember Joseph, Paul—and Jesus. We still must not confuse real security with absence of difficulty and pain. God promises only that if we love and trust him he will be with us in trouble. That’s a lot better than being in trouble without him!

Which image in this psalm best helps you understand that your ultimate security comes from God alone? Thanks God for it and share that image with a friend.