Security vs. Insecurity

From the time we enter this world, if not before, even in the womb, we long for security. We want to feel safe and protected. This is part of what being a responsible parent means: giving your child your protection. That means physical and emotional. If a child grows up in an unstable environment with yelling and fighting, the child will be insecure. That insecurity will follow them into adulthood. Every child deserves to feel safe and that mommy and daddy will care for me. They will be here today, tomorrow, and every day. That is security.

Bullies are often very insecure, and they are fighting for their place. They lord it over those weaker, all for the reward of being seen as someone powerful. The truth is they don’t feel powerful, and they don’t feel accepted.

Appearances of security are an illusion when it comes to King Saul. He was overwhelmed with fear. Listen to him address his servants: “Listen, men of Benjamin! Will the son of Jesse give all of you fields and vineyards? Will he make all of you commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds? (1 Samuel 22:7). Notice Saul’s servants were all from his tribe. They are probably the only ones that Saul trusts. This is the way of kings and dictators. Who can you trust? He believes that everyone around him is conspiring against him. This is insecurity out of control. He has everything he wants except security. Saul is an incoherent, ranting, desperate man. There was no evidence whatsoever that his servants contemplated any form of disloyalty. Saul, however, was in the grip of his fears that had nothing to do with facts or reality.

We receive an invaluable gift from our father and mother if we grow up feeling secure. If we do not, we will struggle to find our security throughout this life. You can find it, however, in Jesus. He will be your refuge, and he brings security to your life. Jesus introduces you to the Father who will never fail you–Your Heavenly Father!