Integrity MusicНамуна

I AM SAFE

“Look both ways when you cross the street.” “Lock your doors.” “Turn on your front porch light if you’re going to be out late.” "Wear a fanny pack if you’re walking in the city.” LOL! If you’re from the south like me, then: “get off the phone during a thunderstorm!” I’m still not sure if that’s a real thing, but to this day you won't catch me on the phone if it's storming!

It seems like since early childhood we have been given advice on how to keep ourselves… well, safe. It usually starts with our parents, and then transitions on to other caregivers and loved ones in our lives. They want what’s best for us and realize that they won’t be able to ensure our safety when they aren’t around. So, they try to pour into us everything they know with the hopes that by the time we start venturing beyond their watchful eyes, we will have absorbed enough to look out for ourselves.

But the truth is, a lot of times that well-meaning advice just doesn't work. I mean, I know to look both ways when crossing an intersection, but I still almost got run over by a cab in New York City. I always lock my car doors, but this summer someone broke my car window and stole my favorite book bag. For goodness sake! My mom works for the police department; I should be immune to these types of incidents. Right?

We all feel that way. Our Father is the Creator of the entire universe, we should be immune from things and places and feelings that impede upon our safety. At the core of who we are, we want to know that nothing will happen to us, and that safety is a guarantee. However, scripture bursts our bubbles in telling us that in this life there will be hardships [John 16:33]. There aren't enough locks in all the world to keep us from experiencing things that push against the idea that we are safe.

Think about it: there are people right now living in literal fortresses, surrounded by guards, that have no idea what it feels like to be safe. Sure, there are plenty of objects of safety: guns, locks, cameras, police officers; but none of those things are sure. Objects fail, and we can have all those things and still not BE safe. The only safety that is sure is found in God. (Deuteronomy 31:6) That innate desire to feel safe can only be satiated in one place. I know it feels uncomfortable in the moment, but dependence on Him, and not other people or things, is how our Father designed this earthly experience.

We were not meant to live holding on tightly to objects of safety until our knuckles turn white. We were meant to stare into the face of what others would consider danger and know that we are holding tightly to Him who keeps us safe. [Isaiah 41:10] Safety is not something that He brings, it is what He is. It’s a part of His nature.

So, sure; lock your car and don’t walk the city streets late at night alone. But more than that, “let all of us who look for Safety be glad! Let us always sing with joy. As He spreads His cover over us and keeps us safe” [Psalms 5:11 NIRV]. Amen.

You can listen to and purchase Casey J's latest single, "If God" here: https://caseyj.lnk.to/IfGod