Secure in Christ

Secure in Christ
By John Woodward
November 2, 1998

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.' " (Psalm 91:1,2).

These days there are so many threats to our security. Globally, there are devastating storms, warnings of the Y2K problem looming on the dawn of the next millennium, and news of troubled economies of nation after nation. Domestically, there is the crisis in character as evidenced by the immorality of political leaders, the alarming rate of divorce, and the prevalence of violent crime. Personally, there is the stress of keeping up with life's demands in the 90's, trying to maintain one's health, and avoiding the barrage of temptations from Hollywood, magazines and the internet. How can the believer have peace in the midst of the storm?

That imagery reminds us of Matthew 8:23-27. "Now when Jesus got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We are perishing!' But He said to them, 'Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?' Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, 'Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?'" When Christ abides in our heart as master, we can trust Him to rebuke the waves of worry that crash against us.

This confidence does not imply that the believer becomes irresponsible or naive. Proverbs advises, "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." (27:12 NIV). We should be informed and resourceful, but with a heart that is secure in God--like "the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do. . . " (1 Chron 12:32).

The Puritan, Thomas Manton, wrote of our security in Christ. "There is a close union between Christ and us: we are 'in Him', and because of this union we are eternally preserved. Look! As it is impossible to sever the leaven from the dough when they are once mingled and kneaded together; so Christ and a believer, when they are united together, there is no parting them any more, and while one lasts the other must endure."

This peace is not based upon our merit, efforts, or abilities. The true believer is united to the Prince of Peace by the Holy Spirit as the branch is organically joined to the vine (John 15:1-8).

Charles Spurgeon affirmed our union with Christ. "'Because I live, ye shall live also' [Jn 14:19] is our guarantee of life eternal. What more do we require? If Christ be in us, and we in Him, the union is of the most intense kind, and the security which follows from it is of the most certain sort. 'He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit' [1 Cor 6:17]: what closer and more abiding union can be imagined?" (Flowers from a Puritan's Garden, p.115).

Let us not allow the trials of life to rob us of this peace. Instead of trying to compensate for feelings of insecurity by attempting to control people and circumstances, or by escaping into entertainment, may we focus on Jesus--our refuge and our life.

O Lord, we Thank You that with Christ as our Savior, Lord, and life we can have peace in the midst of the storm. Keep us ever mindful of our spritual union with Christ through true faith. We take refuge in Your sovereign care. In Christ's name, amen.

JBW

Nov. 2, 1998

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