Finding security
At my church, a group of us share the responsibility of the message for children’s church. On my turn recently, my son-in-law brought my grandson down and left him at the front. My little man watched his dad walk away and immediately face planted in dejection at being left behind. I called his name and his face lit up in recognition and he crawled into my lap, finding security.
Afterward, I wondered . . . Does our Father see us when we’re frightened? When we feel lost, alone, or abandoned, does He open His arms with the invitation to seek Him for comfort and security?
I believe the answer is a resounding YES! But do we respond in trust, finding security in God’s love?
David and Saul
Image by Airgil Daviss from Pixabay
After the shepherd boy, David, slayed Goliath, he had a future as a military leader, accumulating a record number of victories over the Philistines. King Saul became jealous of his young protégé, and plotted to kill David.
But an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the lyre, Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape. (1 Samuel 19:9-10)
Saul’s determination to kill David began before the incident described above and continued after David’s escape. During Saul’s unrelenting pursuit, David must have felt the loneliness of abandonment, anguish that his mentor had turned on him, and fear that the king would be successful in his attempt to murder David.
David chose trust
David likely felt a variety of emotions as Saul continued his vow to kill David:
- Confusion–Why is this happening–what have I done to deserve the king’s anger?
- Fear of dying–The king’s army is pursuing me–how can I escape?
- Anguish–Why does my king no longer trust me?
- Doubt of God’s protection–Will my LORD protect me?
From David’s writings, we learn that He put His faith and trust in God:
In you LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue, a strong fortress to save me. (Psalm 31:1-2)
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)
When my grandson looked at me with love and trust, my heart felt as if would burst with my love for Him. His fear was gone because he felt secure in my presence–confident that I would care for him.
I imagine our Father feeling that same joy and love when we give ourselves into His care–when we put our trust in Him–and we put our fears aside, fully confident in God’s infinite love for us.
When have you felt most aware of God’s protection?
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:1-2, 4)
Katherine, this is so insightful. Covers an array of feelings we all have and a wonderful reminder how much we all need to trust God. Psalm 32:7 is one of my life verses.
Thank you for your encouragement, Krystal. Psalm 32:7 gifts us with the assurance of our loving Father’s faithfulness and protection. We are so blessed.
Thank you for this reminder that we can always find peace when we go to God. Life is full of trials, but we are blessed to find comfort with God. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Our Father is with us every step of our journey–we just need to remember to reach out to Him. He will never leave us or forsake us, but sometimes we move away from Him. We are so blessed by His steadfastness and faithfulness. Blessings!
I’ve felt most aware of God’s protection after the fact when I see how His hand was on me. In the moment, I just need to trust.
Priscilla, I’m with you–after He guides us through a trial, we realize how loving, kind, and caring our Lord is. Sometimes my faith and trust aren’t as they should be. I’m blessed that He grants grace and mercy when my faith falters. Wishing you a blessed week.
David had many failures, but his trust in God reflected the reason he was called a man after God’s own heart. His example of turning to the Lord during these trying times can encourage us too. Thanks for these insights, Katherine.
When I feel the urge to criticize David, God reminds me of my many faults. We are so blessed to have a merciful Father, who loves and forgives us. When we stray, He searches for us and welcomes us with His loving arms. Thank you for sharing your insights, Barbara.
I’ve been writing about David’s amazing praise, worship, and trust of God in spite of being persecuted by Saul for so long. What a model for us. I understand about the heart melting; grandkids can melt our hearts in a flash. I’ve never considered that God’s heart might melt when I turn to Him in trust, What a beautiful picture of God’s lavish love for us.
Candyce, I’d heard friends and family discuss the joys of being a grandparent, but it’s one of those things that we don’t understand until we arrive in that place. My grandchildren teach me lessons, express joy in life and, and show their love for me with happy faces and hugs. God knew exactly what I needed to help me find purpose in life after retirement. Hope your grandchildren send you joy and a smile this week.
I love this Katherine! It’s such a great illustration of Jesus’ kind watch over us. Thank you.
Your messages often illustrate the joy you find in your grandchildren. There’s just nothing like that little hand reaching for ours in love and trust. Since God granted us the gift of love, it makes me feel that His love for us is even bigger than our love for our grandchildren (although that’s hard to believe, isn’t it?) Peace and blessings, my friend.
What a wonderful illustration, Katherine, and what a blessing to know the security found in God’s love.
Thank you for your encouragement, Diana. We are so blessed by our Father’s love.
Such a sweet moment with a good message to us that we can trust God to care for and protect us. Thank you, Katherine!
We’re so blessed by God’s love, aren’t we? And when He sends messages through my grandchildren, they’re extra special. I’m so glad you stopped by, Kathy.
What a beautiful picture Katherine. I think God wants us to react the same way as your grandson when we are scared. We can climb into His lap with our prayers. Thank you for such an encouraging message
I think so, too, Yvonne. I love the imagery you shared and the thought of my Father wrapping His arms around me with comfort and security. Blessings, my friend.