Are You Safe?

It’s one of the first questions I ask every woman who calls FOCUS Ministries for counsel and support and help.  “Are you safe?”  

Sometimes they think I’ve asked if they are saved!  We hope and pray they can answer “YES” to that question also.

Are we safe?  Are we safe in our homes?  In our jobs?  On the road?  And sadly, in our schools?  Our stores?  Even at our patriotic celebrations?  Parades?

It breaks this chaplain’s heart that our safety cannot be taken for granted anywhere we go these days.  The most recent public massacre in Highland Park, IL made me physically sick.  Our 4th of July gatherings will never be the same.  Our summer tradition of sitting curbside to hear the beat of the marching band drum cadence is now also tainted by blood spilled on the street.  The decorated floats, the clowns, the vintage cars, the proud veterans and boy scouts in their decorated uniforms – all will bear a remembrance of another tragedy of senseless evil violence in small town America.

Many of us know the terror of domestic violence and abuse in our homes.  Again, it is senseless.  We hide in basements and put our heads down and practice avoidance in an effort to escape from the painful shoves, the words that shred our hearts.  

We know the ongoing fear of being stalked forever.  The looking over our shoulder before we look at our phones.  The dread of going to bed.  Some women consider even ending their lives to escape the abuse.  Are we safe?  Are you safe?

I was pretty shocked at Starbucks this morning to be in the same general vicinity as a gentleman with a holstered .45.  Right out in the open, no “conceal and carry” in the coffee shop today.  He looked like retired law enforcement or military.  Either way I actually felt safer knowing he was sitting at the next table…just in case.  

Can we trust Jesus to keep us safe?

God speaks to us in His Word about trusting Him for everything, including safety.  Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.”

And again in Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

The cross of Jesus makes us safe for all eternity, safe in His arms forever.  Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ can remove the fear of living in an evil, unpredictable world.  The world can’t touch our souls.  His death and resurrection is our peace for evermore.

In these days of uncertainty, we must choose faith over fear.  Yes, be careful, be wise, listen to your “Spidey sense”, but also BELIEVE in a God who is a Great Shepherd who protects, a good good Father who holds us close, and a Savior of our souls.  He sees you and hears your cries. He is near to you.  He is a sure safe haven, a refuge in the storm.  He is a Rescuer, a Savior when you don’t feel very safe.