Get your safety from me

In the midst of my darkest days, I heard the still whispering voice of my Saviour:

“Get your safety from me.”

You see, at that time, I was going through a horrible divorce, and I was running to a man – a man who made me feel special, loved and alive. It was a balm to soothe my broken heart, my broken spirit.

But God knew he was the only true healing I could find, and he was calling me to run to him rather than any human. He wanted me to see that I could trust Him to pick up every broken piece of my heart and my life and create something beautiful. He wanted me to see that he was more than enough for whatever I needed. He wanted me to see that he would restore everything I had lost and more.

He has been so incredibly faithful over the past decade!

And so, that’s the end of the story, isn’t it? I now walk perfectly with my Father, never doubting his goodness, always trusting him above all else.

Unfortunately, I find myself acting exactly like the Israelites, watching the Red Sea part so that they can cross over on dry ground only to swallow up their enemies. As they watch the miraculous scene, they can’t help but sing songs of praise to the Mighty God who saved them! Their hearts overflow with songs of thanksgiving!

Then we turn the page to find them grumbling and complaining because they miss the delights of Egypt. They forget all the hardships of slavery in the land, but they clearly remember the delicious dishes that were asked of them.

This is where I find myself.

Sunday morning, we had the great privilege of listening to my daughter lead us to the feet of Jesus in adoration! The Spirit was so real there! Our hearts and hands were lifted up, waiting to receive what the Spirit had for each of us! We waited eagerly (Psalm 5:3).

As the pastor began to preach, I found my mind distracted. I started looking at my retirement account balance. After years of being a single mother, it was pretty paltry before our country’s economic woes, but now it seems almost non-existent. Then I turned to my investment calculator to start estimating how much I could have if the market gained 5%, 6%, 7%. I started worrying and wondering when and even if I could retire because the truth is I’m exhausted. I started to calculate what different options might do if we changed strategy. So what,

“Get your safety from me.”

Yes, those unmistakable words calling me to trust him, to remember how he has faithfully blessed me in the past and how he promises to take care of me. Remembering that the treasures of this earth are fleeting but His treasures last forever (Matthew 6:19-21). Remembering that no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Reminding me that he cares for me even more than the lily of the field or the sparrow in the air (Matthew 6:28-30).

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and it will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will bring its own troubles. Today’s troubles are enough for today. Matthew 6:32-33

I seem to have forgotten those lessons in the desert where God carefully provided for all of our needs, how when I got divorced I was only making about $500 a month. How did I survive financially? The only explanation is the faithfulness of my God who knew all my needs and provided through the small gift and the big gift. He was the God who repeatedly doubled and tripled my salary to make sure I could put food on the table. He was the God who had the foresight to give us a place to live at no cost (a house we now own). He was the God who allowed me to put even that paltry amount back into my retirement account when many single mothers couldn’t save anything. He was the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills and always provided for me and my children (Psalm 50:10). Tears sting my eyes even as I remember his faithfulness!

I’ll be honest: I don’t remember much of what our pastor said Sunday morning from 1 John 3, but I do remember God speaking to me. I don’t know what the future looks like, but I know who owns my future. I don’t know what my next step is, but I know I’m trying to turn to him for my safety. I don’t know how long I will have to work, but I know Heavenly Father cares about my worries, fears, and insecurities. I firmly believe that my Heavenly Father will care for me even more dramatically than He does the lilies in the field and the sparrows in the air because He cares for me!

Where do you get your security? Can I tell you that there is no better place than to find it in the One who loves you enough to send His only begotten Son to the cross for you? Can I tell you that there is no better place of safety than the One who tenderly cares for your every need? Can I tell you that there is no better place than the One who has been faithful through the ages?

Here he is whispering: “Obtain your safety from me.