Security – Resting in God's Unshakeable Keeping

While this life brings uncertainty, challenge and change on every side, the believer's ultimate safety rests not in the world's shifting systems, but in the unchanging character, presence and promises of God.

Security That Cannot Be Shaken

As Christians our eternal destiny is secure. We live in hope and can rest in safety, even though in this life there is uncertainty, challenge and change all around us – change that will touch us to some degree, and which for some includes even the premature loss of life. The consoling words of the Bible say we should not fear those who can only take our physical life and are unable to affect our eternal destiny (Job 11:18,19; Ps 23:4-6; Mt 10:28). Our confidence is not that circumstances will always be kind, but that God will always be faithful. Yet even this security must have a firm foundation. Jesus warned that it is not enough to say "Lord, Lord", or merely to hear His words: only the one who hears them and does them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock, so that when the storms beat upon it, it did not fall; the one who hears without obeying builds on sand, and great is the fall of that house (Mt 7:23-27). Security that cannot be shaken is security that is founded on Christ and lived out in obedience to Him.

There are various accounts in the Bible illustrating the false security people have – in themselves and their own ability – without taking God into the equation: for example Goliath, the Jebusites, and the rich man who built bigger barns (1 Sam 17:42-45; 2 Sam 5:6-7; Lk 12:16-21). Similarly, rich people are warned not to trust in the uncertainty of riches, but in the living God (1 Tim 6:17). Is my security founded in Jesus, the promise keeper, who not only gave His life and gained the victory for me at Calvary, but said He would never leave me?

The Illusion of False Security

There is no lasting safety or shelter in the uncertainty of the world's systems, with their changing fads, fashions and values (Ps 89:34; Jn 10:15; Heb 13:5; 1 Jn 3:8). What is stored up on earth is subject to decay and theft, while what is deposited in heaven is eternally secure (Mt 6:19-21). Can I say, "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him" (Act 4:12; 2 Tim 1:12; 1 Jn 5:12)?

People and things in this world come and go, and nothing here is permanent. Change is inevitable, so only temporary security can be found in the world's systems, practices and the positive opinions of others. God and His Word, however, do not change, and His Kingdom cannot be shaken; our inheritance is safe, for we are 'kept' by the power of God (Mal 3:6; Mt 24:35; Heb 12:28-29; 1 Pet 1:3-4; 1 Jn 2:17; Jud 1:1).

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. He is our refuge and strength (Ps 18:2, 32:7, 46:1-3, 125:1). Do I consider the Lord my refuge (Ps 91:1-2)?

Real security can only be found in what can't be taken from us – our relationship with God

Security in Christ and in Community

Our security is in Christ, in His unfailing love, and in the promises of the Bible. Above all, it rests in the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for the sheep and who knows His own, and is known by them (Jn 10:11-15) – no thief or wolf can snatch from His hand those the Father has given Him. It includes the confidence that "my times and life are in your hands", that all things are working out for our ultimate good, and that He ratifies all that comes my way (Josh 21:45; Ps 31:15, 109:26; Rom 8:28). Know your position in Christ, and do not let the enemy cheat you out of any of the blessings gained at the expense of the earthly life of the Son of God.

In Old Testament times, cities were surrounded by walls to give protection and security. When Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem's wall, he modelled a balanced approach: the builders prayed to God and, at the same time, posted guards against threats day and night (Neh 4:9). Prayer and practical action belong together – we are required to do what we can, not to use faith as an excuse for carelessness. Neither should we ignore our insecurities; rather, we should deal with them honestly, bringing them to God and taking the sensible steps He puts within our reach, while trusting Him for the outcome. Similarly, when we live in correct alignment with God and the authorities He has placed over us, we remain under a covering of protection. Remember, the name of the Lord is a strong tower (Prov 18:10).

As believers, we are free to operate within the security of the clearly defined spiritual boundaries set out in the Bible. Everyone craves security and the joy that comes from mutual love. That is why God sets us in families and instructs us not to break the marriage bond. Children need the security of a stable setting. The church, too, should be a place of security, spiritual provision and blessing for wounded, lost humanity – not another place of exploitation and abuse. Belonging to the family of God provides the ultimate in safety, security and support.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe

Reflection and Application:

Anchor your confidence in God's unchanging character and your position in Christ, refusing to let fear or the enemy rob you of what Calvary secured.
Ask honestly where your trust lies – in riches, reputation and human ability, or in Christ alone.
Follow Nehemiah's example: pray over every threat, then do what you can – and deal honestly with your insecurities rather than ignoring them.
Listen to the Good Shepherd's voice and obey His words, so that your life is built on rock rather than sand – and be a place of safety for others.