"For if I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, 'You are my security,' -- then these also would be sins to be judged." (Job 31:24, 28a NIV)
Many people are very concerned these days about their personal security. We are concerned about our country's ability to protect the citizens. We are concerned about the value of the US dollar on the world foreign currency exchange. We are concerned about the future of the Social Security Program. We are concerned about the threat of terrorists destroying more lives and property in America. We are concerned about the vulnerability of our computers to cyber attack. We are concerned about the safety of our children from violent predators.
When we stop and think about all the things that we are feeling insecure about, we realize that everything that causes us to be unstable is in our own minds. We become overly concerned about external things when we should be concerned about the real threat of sin in our lives and the lives of our children. Franklin Pierce is not exactly one of our most well known Presidents, but he really hit the nail on the head about security in his Inaugural Address. "It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation's humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence."
Security is all about how we feel each day toward the threats around us. When we are truly aware that the greatest threats in this life are the ones that separate us from our loving Creator, then we can learn to trust God for protection. During the great turmoil of America`s Civil War, many people were genuinely afraid that this nation might cease to exist. They were afraid of the political and economic repercussions this might have on the peace and security of all people in this land. Concerned citizens wrote letters to Congress and others suggesting the use of a national motto that recognized God as our protector. In response to several Acts of Congress, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST has been on our coins continuously since the time of the Civil War. Another Act of Congress in 1956 made this our national motto. If you want to do more research into this topic look up: http://www.treas.gov/education/fact-sheets/currency/in-god-we-trust.shtml
When we experience the greatest amount of insecurity, it is because we do not acknowledge God`s presence in all our affairs. God`s people of Israel were threatened with extinction by the powerful Assyrian empire under the leadership of King Sennacherib. In their distress, they turned back to Egypt to protect them. The prophet Isaiah repeatedly warned them to trust only in God. God permitted Assyria to wreak great destruction upon Jerusalem because of their disobedience. King Hezekiah turned back to God for help and here is what God did: "Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: "Go and tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city." (Isaiah 38:4-6 NIV)
God will truly protect and defend us from all threats whenever we put our trust completely in Him. The apostle Peter was speaking about Jesus Christ when he quoted this prophecy from Isaiah: "See I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (1 Peter 2:6 NIV) Do you trust in Christ today? On the other hand, do you trust in the dollar, Social Security, the doctor, or the military more than in God? Let us all turn back to trust in God and His Only Begotten Son – Jesus Christ.
Bring back the motto: IN GOD WE TRUST! This is the way to real peace and security for all people of the world - not only in America. God wants all people to know the joy, peace and love that come from surrendering our will to the will of Christ. Jesus said; "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Turst in God, trust also in me. In my Father`s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have t'ld you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if II go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." (John 14:1-4 NIV)
You are encouraged to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments. David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at http://www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com. | 