“DANGER vs SAFETY!”

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 514

February 16, 2021///

My mind goes back this morning to a time many years ago when our son, who is now fifty-four, was around 3 or 4 years old.

We had a large back yard that was surrounded with a chain link fence except at one part around the gate.  That section was redwood and because the ground went down a little, at one small place at the bottom of the redwood there was a small opening between it and the ground. 

Even though it did not look big enough for even a thin child such as our son to get through, he would get down and some way wiggle through it and get outside the fenced in area that was a safe place for him to roam and play.

He had that entire safe place but the pull of outside the fence enticed him and he would find himself where he could get hurt or even killed if he got into the road.  But this was not what he was thinking.  He just wanted outside the confines of the fence.

He was reprimanded, spanked (yes, I said it), but the appeal was still too strong until we put something in that open spot to stop the roaming.

May I tell you this morning that if Jesus Christ is not just your Savior but also your Lord, you are surrounded by safety and security.  The creator God dispatched ministering, guardian, and warrior angels all around us to minister, guard, and protect us.

We can live our lives in a place of safety and security.

Psalm 91:1-2 (KJV)
¹ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

We were created, however, with a free will.  Sometimes what is outside the safety of God’s love and provision draws us strongly to get down flat and squirm and push until we are free from the constrains of the secret and safe place and in danger not only of harm but of separation from fellowship of the one who loves us most.

The word tells us there is pleasure in sin for a season.  We may rejoice when we exit the security and constrains of the safety God has all around and all over us, but danger awaits.

Knowing this the Father draws us and even disciplines us to keep us safe in Him. He, much more that each of us, understands that the enemy is out to kill, steal and destroy us. He gives us life abundantly.

Like the appeal to our small son, maybe the temptation is just too much.  As you grow in your relationship with the Lord Jesus, just as my son would finally get too big for that opening, you may grow up so that small opening would not be a temptation.

But meanwhile, just as we had to stop the way of escape for our son, you must allow the Lord Jesus to fill in the openings that pull you to the world, with His Presence, His Word, and His direction. 

Spending time meditating on the word, praying, or just sitting in His presence will allow you to avoid temptation.

When my husband would pitch a baseball, or play in the fenced area with our son, our son was so focused on spending time with his father, that the opening was no temptation at all.

May I say when we spend time in the presence of our Heavenly Father by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ, the pull of the world fades from our minds and attention.

His word makes us strong and able to be an example to others of the safety the almighty has prepared for us.  Outside of that is danger.

Living from our safe place will draw others to come to the creator God and let Him be their strength and security!

Just as a loving parent, the boundaries of living in His presence is for our good and to keep us safe from the destruction and harm of the enemy.  He Loves you!

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Father, thank you that we can depend on your love and care as we walk this road of life in the safety and security of your presence.  Invade each of us with the desire to just serve and love you and allow you to protect us as we avoid the temptation to go the worlds way.  May our love for you draw others to your way which is the best way to live.  Invade each person who reads this with the reality of your love and care! In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I pray!  Amen

Stay with Jesus! Love, MeMaw