Security and safety ∙∙

Security and safety ∙∙

What if the LORD had not been on our side? – Psalms 124:1

Psalm 125:1-5

 1 Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.

 2 Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever.

 3 The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.

 4 O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you.

 5 But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD. Take them away with those who do evil. May Israel have peace!

What Does It Mean to Value Liberty Over Safety?

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” This profound statement challenges us to reflect on what we prioritize in life. Are we sacrificing what is truly important for fleeting comforts? Or are we rooted in what is eternal, finding safety and freedom in something greater than ourselves?

Understanding the concepts of safety and security is essential. So, what is the difference between security and safety?

Safety is the state of being protected from harm or danger. It includes both physical protection and emotional well-being. Essentially, safety is the comfort that comes from knowing you are cared for and secure.

In contrast, security encompasses the mechanisms and processes that safeguard us against external threats. You can think of security as an umbrella, while safety is the state of being dry and secure underneath that umbrella. Security provides protection, while safety is the state of being protected.

Pause for a moment and envision yourself securely in the hands of the Father, safe and protected. What emotions do you feel when you see yourself secure in God’s hands?

Unshakable Security in God

God Himself is the ultimate source of safety and security, as illustrated in Psalms 125. This psalm provides a beautiful picture of what it means to trust in the Lord.

In Psalms 125:1, we are reminded that we are safe, unmoved, and protected when we place our confidence in the Father: “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion; it cannot be moved and will endure forever.”

When this psalm was written, mountains represented permanence and resilience. Unlike man-made structures that can crumble over time, mountains remain steadfast, enduring storms, winds, and the passage of centuries.

The psalmist compares those who trust in the Father to Mount Zion. Their faith anchors them in strength and durability. They remain unmoved, not by their own power, but because the Father upholds them.

No harm, no fear, and no trial can shake those who are safeguarded by the presence of the living God.

The Stronghold of God’s Defense

The image here is breathtaking. Jerusalem, settled among the hills, was a city protected by natural barriers. These mountains provided security and comfort, a visible reminder of God’s protection.

Psalms 125:2 exclaims, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever.”

This Psalm is meant to strengthen the faith of those who trust in Him. Just as mountains protect Jerusalem, God’s presence encompasses the children of the King, providing them with both temporal and eternal protection.

When fear or uncertainty threatens to overwhelm, we only need to remember that the Father is a shield around us. Just as the mountains stood firm for Jerusalem, the Lord remains steady and unchanging in His love and protection over His children. When we place our trust in God, we find security. He is our shield, our defender, and our stronghold. When we place our trust in God, we are safe. He is our shield, our defender, and our stronghold.

REFLECT & PRAY

Safety is not the absence of danger but the presence of God. How heartwarming and comforting to feel the presence and security of the Father.

Pause for a moment now. Reflect on the strength of God’s promises. He does not grow tired or weary. He does not fail or change. Just like Mount Zion cannot be moved, God’s protection and love for His people are unshakable.

Father, You are steadfast, unchanging, and always reliable. You will never wear out or wear down. Help me to grow in my trust and dependence on You. Thank You for the unshakable security that only You provide.

INSIGHT

Facing the Realities of Life

Our world can be brutal, filled with challenges that leave us feeling overwhelmed. The Bible does not shy away from these difficulties or gloss over life’s harsh realities. Instead, the Scriptures address life as it truly is, offering raw and honest guidance for navigating the hardships we encounter. The Psalms, in particular, are a treasure trove of wisdom and life principles, providing patterns for building our lives on the unshakable foundation of God’s truth.

The Psalms capture the full spectrum of human emotion. Hudberg observes that they are “gritty reflections of the life of the writer, songs where people express themselves to God and each other in all the circumstances of life – good, bad, happy, sad, frustrating, grieving, and every other emotion we experience.”  

How do we maintain this sense of protection in a chaotic world? David offers us a powerful answer.

Unshakable Confidence in God

David shows us the way in Psalms 16:8, “I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” David confidently asserts in Psalm 62:6 that, “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.”

These verses reflect David’s profound assurance in God’s presence. The Father’s unfailing love and protection provide security that the storms of life cannot shake. When we place our trust in Him, we experience both safety and peace. We can rest in the knowledge that He is an ally to His children, utterly dependable and consistently strong. He is able and desires to take care of every child of the King personally.

The truth is both simple and powerful: we are safe with Him. His reliability as our protector is anchored in His character. He is the eternal Rock, immovable and steadfast. We can approach each day with confidence, knowing He has the ability and desire to protect and care for us.

A Call to Remember and Praise

Psalms 125 reminds us to glance back and recall the security and safety He provided. We are encouraged to remember and praise Him for His protection. Stanley writes, “God instructs us in His Word to encourage each other by verbally reminding one another of how He has acted on our behalf in the past.”

Mount Zion provides security and permanence. It represents the strength of the Father’s protection for those who trust in Him. Jerusalem appeared to be secure not only due to its geographic defenses, surrounded by mountains, but primarily because it was the dwelling place of God. The psalmist compares God’s people to Mount Zion itself, emphasizing that they are not only protected by God but also unshakeable because of Him.

We are called to remember the countless times God has come to our aid and praise Him for being our eternal security. Stanley notes that, “God instructs us in His Word to encourage each other by verbally reminding one another of how He has acted on our behalf in the past.” What He has done before, He is both willing and able to do again. His faithfulness to His people never changes.

What He has done in the past, He can certainly do in the present and the future. This is the confidence and hope available to every child of the King. The certainty of the Father’s protection is assured. We are encouraged to pray that the Father will bring it to fruition.

Psalms 125:4 echoes this balance beautifully, “O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you.” We are to pray fervently for His help. VanGemeren remarks, “What a beautiful combination: confidence and urgency in prayer!”

The psalmist teaches us to rely on the Father with complete trust while asking for His intervention in our lives with fervent prayer. True safety comes when we align our hearts with God’s, trusting in His sovereign control and seeking His goodness.

Faith in Action

Living a life of faith in God does not exempt us from life’s difficulties, but it gives us the strength to rise above them. Eric Liddell, the famed Olympian and missionary depicted in “Chariots of Fire,” captured this truth when he said, “I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. Where does the power come from to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.’ If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.”

The key to navigating life’s trials and challenges lies in focusing on the Father. God’s Word teaches us that faith is both our foundation and our compass. When we fully commit ourselves to Him, our trust in His promises empowers us to stand firm, no matter what comes our way.

Faithful living demands an ongoing pursuit of God. It means reminding ourselves of His faithfulness, placing our confidence in His unshakable promises, and committing to trust Him with both our present and our future.

The world may be tumultuous and filled with danger, but the promises of God stand firm. Like Mount Zion, those who trust in the Lord cannot be shaken. Trust Him to be your rock, your fortress, and your ultimate source of peace. Commit to the race by relying on Him, and you will find safety and security in every storm.

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© Dr. H 2025