"A false sense of security is the only kind there is."~ Michael Meade
False Sense of Security
Our soul is exceedingly filled
With the scorn of those who are at ease,
With the contempt of the proud.
~ Psalms 123:4 (NKJV)
"But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.' "
~ Luke 16:25 (NKJV)
A recurrent lament in the Psalms is that while the righteous suffer, the unrighteous are at ease. Their prosperity and success seems, well, just not right. True enough that Jesus said in this world we'd have tribulation and trial. But in the face of their ease, must our trials be so ... trying?
Many of those who do not fear God have a cavalier journey through this world. They permit themselves a bit of disquiet (if that) at suffering and infirmity, perhaps spout off glib solutions like population control and euthanasia, and carry on a life at ease. If they harbor nagging doubts about their final destination, they nonetheless live each day as one step closer to a triumphant end where they plan to sing, "I did it 'My Way'."
Those who respect the Lord do not live at ease. We are disturbed by the unrighteousness which brings misery and are often scorned for standing against it. We sacrifice ourselves to make the world a better place but might as well try to hold back the tide. We are continually tempted to use this world's methods of "success." We strive all our lives to understand His Way, then kick ourselves for failing to live up to it.
People of this world are correct to say, "A false sense of security is the only kind there is."
Children of God endure because our security lies in no man or institution of this world, but in the Prince of Peace—King of the kingdom to come—Who reigns even now in our lives.
We may not live at ease. We have something better. We may live at peace.
Father in Heaven, our lives are in Your hands. Please increase our faith in Your Way. Please direct our every step. When we look at this world, please quiet our hearts with the peace which passes understanding.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
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Your way or no way,
ReplyDeletewe pray Lord your will be done
each day our heart say
your way is all what we want....
The depth of this message really touches me right where I need it. I often feel sadness when looking through the lens of non believing loved ones. It's their contentment in life that seems so staggering in it's fractured truths. How true is every word you've written.
ReplyDeleteHi dear Anne,
ReplyDeleteI just saw heard ad on TV: "Afraid people are having more fun than you? They are. Catch up to them."
I think that about says it all. *sigh*
(And, I find that picture of the UN "security" council jarring. Wow.)
God bless you today.
I can get tangled up in all kinds of definitions of success...worldly impressions. I'm thankful I know where to find Truth.
ReplyDeleteEase and peace are quite different, aren't they?
Once again, thanks for stirring my thoughts.
~ Wendy
When I was in the Army, not following Christ, I remember visiting a home church and hearing a teenage boy there pray out loud, "Father, create anxiety in my heart to not rest, until I follow You."
ReplyDeleteAt the time I was shocked to hear someone pray for anxiety.
I repeat that prayer so often today. That and, "Father crush my pride . . . but softly please."
Wow, love this. He doesn't our comfort as much He cares about our character, does he? I love Russell's prayer, too!
ReplyDeleteFabulous post, Anne. It's a great reminder of where our focus should be.
ReplyDeleteI'll add my "yes and amen, Lord" to this. Thanks Anne.
ReplyDeletePsalm 73 ~ A good reminder, especially verses 16-17 ~ When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
ReplyDeleteMay our mind be stayed on Him and have that perfect peace.
Natasa ... indeed!
ReplyDeleteT. Anne, I remember a time in my life when I looked with jealousy at others who seemed to have it all and felt left out. I now look at them with compassion that they are left out.
Gwen, I wrote this entire post without a thought of the U.N. When I asked myself what image of false security I might use, I thought first of a recent Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and then of this group. When I put it all together and looked at it again, it had the same jarring effect on me.
Wendy, like happiness and joy, it's okay to have ease, as long as we don't try to substitute it for peace. The day is coming when it will no longer matter. : )
Russell, one of my prayers for those running from the Lord (that I suspect others might not appreciate) is for lack of peace until it drives a person to seek it in Christ. If that seems mean, I'll mention that I pray nothing for another I don't pray for myself. You are a wise man to pray as you do. (Just don't pray for patience! :D)
Candace Jean, I agree. I also think that our comfort ultimately comes in our character. We don't really have comfort without peace, and that comes in living according to God's ways.
Ginny, thanks! Yes, focus can wander. I think many Psalms express discouragement because the scorners who are right in one's face make it hard to see the Lord until we make a conscious effort to turn our gaze upon Him.
Jason, thanks to you. :D
Patty, you make me smile with the double reference. Isaiah 26:3 is one of my favorite passages.