In Others’ Words: Safety

View from my porch on Saturday, June 23, 2012

 

“There is no security on this earth. Only opportunity.”

~ Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964), American general

It’s been an interesting weekend.

The Waldo Canyon Fire, which erupted west of Colorado Springs, disrupted our lives.

Saturday night we went from voluntary evacuation status to mandatory evacuation status — and back again. Since then, we’ve been on alert. And yes, we’re still home.

We have suitcases stashed at my daughter and son-in-love’s apartment — as well as my can’t-be-replaced family photos. Each of the kids picked one or two treasured items. Other than that, so long as my people are safe, I’m fine.

My husband Rob and I went for our customary evening walk, only this time smoke tinged the air. We talked about safety … and how God’s definition of safety must be different from ours. Our friend “Wise Guy” was the first person to point this out: How God promises to keep us safe — and yet, bad things still happen. Does this mean God doesn’t keep his promise?

Nope.

As I said, I think we have different working definitions of safety. When God promises to deliver us from our fears (Psalm 34:4), that’s not some holy escape clause — certainly not if you take David’s life as an example.

Instead, I think Psalm 34:4 is reminder that God is with us during the scary times — and he helps us to not be afraid.

That’s a whole different kind of safety — trust replacing fear.

Only then can you see the opportunities waiting for you:

to keep trusting
to encourage others to trust
to help others in need
to see beauty in the midst of trials
to appreciate what you have
to see what’s valuable — and what’s not

In Your Words: What does security look like for you? What opportunities have you discovered in the less-than-safe-times?