Friday, July 20, 2012

July 21, 2012

"The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?  When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall."  Psalm 27:1-2

As if you needed a reminder, last night's senseless and shocking murders in the Colorado theater show the dangerous days we live in. Another day and more new reasons to be fearful.

You go to such lengths to build safety around yourself and your children. You purchased an alarm system for your home and put safety seats in your car and helmets on your kids when they ride their bicycles. And you did extensive research to find the safest car you could afford to provide maximum protection for your family.

And then something unimaginable happens at a movie in an upscale suburb.

How do you cope with such an uncertain world? How can you keep from being overcome by fear knowing you cannot even go out for an evening of entertainment and be sure you are safe?

Think about those who survived the horrific ordeal. How will they ever be able to go out to a public place again?

And what about those whose young people made it out alive. How will those parents be able to allow their children to go out without the fear of something terrible happening to them?

What does Psalm 27 have to say to those folks?

Actually, it says a lot!

It says that life is filled with people and circumstances and events that are big and dangerous and out of your control. Because life is bigger than you, you need to be able to depend on some one bigger than life.

That is exactly what the Psalmist did when his life was threatened by a powerful and deranged king. David handled the fear by trusting in His God, a God Who is bigger than life!

David found security in his God, choosing to have faith in Him rather than live in fear of everything else. He knew this God was good and powerful and trustworthy because this God had delievered him before.

You may be thinking, "Wait a minute, Brad! Why wasn't God able to keep these people safe? Are you suggesting none of them were trusting in God?"

I would never assume that or imply that. I have no idea how they stood with God. And I didn't say He would necessary keep you safe. I said He would keep you secure. He is able to keep you safe, but He doesn't guarantee it.

Security has to do with your spiritual and emotional welfare. God will guard your soul and grant you peace of mind when you focus your faith and devotion on Him.

As David wrote this Psalm he wasn't safe from the relentless attacks of his enemies, but he was secure.

In the wake of Thursday's tragedy, are you looking for some security? Are you longing for someone you can trust to guard you?

With the Psalmist I say, "Let the Lord be your light and your salvation and your stronghold!"

Let Him help you "faith" your future!