Secure Doesn’t Have to Mean Stagnant
I used to love change. As a younger person, I regularly scanned for new apartments, “new” used cars, new vacation destinations etc. But now, as an official “middle-aged” woman, I yearn for stability and security. I want to stay in my house forever, I want my current car to last, and I am happy on stay-cations. I think it’s a natural shift. However, while I’m not looking for change, I do fear being stagnant — staying so long and so quiet in my comfort zone that I don’t experience all that God wants me to or has for me.
Being stagnant is an enemy of spiritual growth. Philippians 1:6 discusses the promise that God has started a “good work” in those of us who have given our lives to Christ and that God will continue that work over our lifetimes. Therefore, change is necessary. However, that doesn’t quiet the longing for the stability and security I seem designed to search for.
In my prayer and study time recently, what I have realized is that my need for security outside of myself is my soul’s understanding that I cannot master my circumstances or control all that is happening around me. It’s a God-shaped/sized job. Therefore, I am trying to lean into verses I’ve rediscovered.
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior.” 2 Samuel 22:2 (NLT)
“But the Lord is my fortress; my God is the mighty rock where I hide.” Psalms 94:22 (NLT)
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38 (NLT)
These promises of protection, and stability, and strength are what my soul longs to hear.
Quite simply, God fills my need for security — it’s not in my car, my house, my job or my health because all of those can fail in an instant. And as I focus more on the infinite security of God that came through the sacrifice of Jesus and my relationship with Him, the less stagnant I want to be. I feel encouraged to live life in spite of hardships, and I am then able to produce fruit (see Galatians 5:22-23). Being secure doesn’t have to mean stagnant. In fact, being secure in God helps us to seek change and grow in His plans for us. Find your security in a relationship with God and then rejoice in the protection He provides.
