“I just wish the world was safe again.”
The thought came suddenly but was dispelled just as fast. When has the world ever been safe?
We were vacationing in Florida when the news of October 7 hit. It seemed a paradox that we were jumping in beach waves and relaxing by the pool while somewhere else in the world families were being torn apart with bullets and kidnapping.
I sat on the porch after watching small clips of the news — about all I could take — and read a few Psalms. Psalm 61 stood out in the midst of everything and I read it multiple times.
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Of David.
1Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
2from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
3for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
4Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
5For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6Prolong the life of the king;
may his years endure to all generations!
7May he be enthroned forever before God;
appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!
8So will I ever sing praises to your name,
as I perform my vows day after day.
Verse four caught my attention with the lovely picture of the nearness and protection of God. To dwell goes along with word abiding and in his tent refers to the tabernacle, the very presence of God. This God who created everything protects us as a mother bird spreads her wings over her chicks. We have a safe refuge because of his watchful care.
This doesn’t mean the world ceases to be a frightening, unsafe place or that we never face trials and heartache. But in moments of anxiety, when chaos and fear seem to be winning, we can run to the Rock of our Salvation. We can find peace and hope beneath his comfort and care.
The world will never be safe or without trouble as long as sin is here. But we know this temporal place isn’t the end. It isn’t our hope or best life. We live for eternity where we will dwell with God forever.
Photo by Dulcey Lima on Unsplash