Secure in Christ

What a time we live in! And the election is tomorrow. Am I alone in spending time speculating what might be the reactions in our country to one outcome or another? Not only do we have to wonder how the loser and his followers might react, but I remember riots when a city’s team wins a World Series or NBA Championship. So it is not beyond the realm of possibilities that the followers of a winner might also riot. And this speculation does not end with the short-term reactions. What will happen in our country under a Biden or a Trump presidency? Our worrying can spiral out of control.

I keep coming back to one firm reality, I am secure in Christ. Every believer is. Certain passages of scripture remind me of God Himself and His promises so that I can have bedrock to rest upon in the midst of storms. And, certain key words resonate for me as well…

Anchor: “We have  this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:19 I am anchored to Jesus Christ Himself in the heavenly Holy of Holies. Nothing on this earth can tear me away from my anchor, from my Lord.

Bank Vault: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you…”  1 Peter 1:3-4 This verse conjures up images of huge bank vault doors behind which the treasures are stored.  Due to our faith in Jesus, God has locked up the benefits of our new birth and our inheritance into a vault that cannot be broken into. I am secure in Christ because of His great mercy.

High Rock: “From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy.” Psalm 61:2-3 We live in a region of fast floods, similar to the Bible lands. When the flash flood hits suddenly, we all need to scramble to high ground. Once upon the high rock, we can perch calmly watching the water swirl around us. We can be at peace and be untouched by the stormwater. Same in our times, we are perched above the fray and can be secure.

God is not passive: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 According to this, God is ACTIVELY WORKING in ALL things (including the election and its repercussions) for OUR good and His glory. I can rejoice in that at all times, but especially when things seem to come unglued.

In words to a great pagan king, the prophet Daniel declared: “May the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the periods; He removes kings and appoints kings; He gives wisdom to wise men, And knowledge to people of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, And the light dwells with Him.” Daniel 2:20-22

I don’t know what may come in our future, but I know Him who holds the future. He is in charge. He uses even evil forces to bring about His good purposes. Resting in the great God who directs the whole universe, Christopher