The Myth of Safety

READ: PSALMS 31:20; 62:6-8; JUDE 1:1, 20-21; 2 TIMOTHY 4:18

It’s hard to feel safe. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, many of us have grown up with an awareness of terrorism and the need for precautions like metal detectors at airports and large events. Just in case.

Maybe you’ve grown up knowing you could get bullied, jumped, or shot at in school, and that it’s best to always be aware of your surroundings and where the exit routes are. Just in case.

You may have learned it’s not safe to talk to strangers, or to be female or an ethnic minority walking alone at night, or to leave your phone location settings turned on. Just in case.

Between stories of violent romantic and family relationships, and the increasing prevalence of mental health concerns that can make us feel like even our own minds might not be a safe place, safety itself can feel like a myth.

That grieves the heart of God. He created us for safety in relationships, with each other and with Him. After all, in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve were able to live and work entirely naked, completely open with each other and with God, without fear of being victimized, mocked, or sinned against, without fear of judgment, awkwardness, or feeling unworthy (Genesis 2:25). They did not know what it was to hide from creation or Creator.

That’s the kind of safety God wants us to experience in His presence now (Romans 8:1)! He wants us to openly share our struggles, passions, flaws, insecurities, questions, and doubts with Him. And He wants us to create communities of safety for each other—that’s what the church is for! Though the Bible rarely promises us physical safety (John 16:33; 15:18-21; Romans 8:35-39), the presence of Jesus is the one place we can know we are eternally safe from everything the devil throws at us (2 Timothy 4:18), and we can invite His presence into every moment and every relationship of our lives. • Abigail Aswegen

• Can you think of a time you felt safe with another person? What was that like?

• Have you ever experienced feeling safe in the presence of God? You can ask God for this anytime.

• In what ways can we help the people around us feel safe, and also invite them to experience true safety in Christ? If you think you might be in an unsafe relationship or situation, or if you’re struggling with your mental health, who is a trusted adult you could talk to today?

[Jesus prayed,] “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” John 17:15 (NLT)