Isaiah 47:8-11; 32:17, Security vs. anxiety (1)

1)    Definition: Structuring my life around what is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away.

2)    Scripture: 1 Tim. 6:6-12,17; Jn. 6:27; Mt. 6:19-21; 7:24-27; Psa. 4:8; Prov. 1:33; 3:21-24; 4:12; 10:3,9,25; 11:4,28; 12:7; 18:10; 19:23; 23:17-18; 27:1; Isa. 32:17; 47:8-11.

3)    Underlying Principle: All is not relative.  There are what we call “absolutes,” some eternal values on and around which we can structure our lives.

4)    Illustration: Exodus 14 (Red Sea crossing); 1 Samuel 17 (David and Goliath).  As with “faith” this is a subject that is part of every life.  The issue here has to do with decision-making.  Every day we come to “a fork in the road.”  Sometimes we may not even think about these decisions, but at other times they are huge and life-changing.  We may experience anxieties about these decisions because we see a risk and want to be sure the outcome will be safe. 

Take the story of the Red Sea crossing.  The people of Israel had just left Egypt.  We would think the smart, safe thing is to get as much distance between us and the Egyptians as possible.  But Moses leads them to camp up against the Read Sea, after coming through a narrow passage that had become their only way of escape (Ex. 14:2).  Taking this route indicated to Pharaoh that they had lost their way and were open to attack (14:3).  When Israel saw that the Egyptians were bearing down on them, they were filled with fear (anxiety; 14:10-12).  Why did Moses lead them like that?  Because the LORD told him to take that route.  God intended to do something great for Israel, something they would never forget and that would cause their future enemies to fear them.  Even though it appeared they were doomed, with no way of escape when the Egyptians came after them, the Psalmist tells us the result of God’s plan: He led them on safely, so that they did not fear, but the sea overwhelmed their enemies (Ps. 78:53).

Consider the story of David and Goliath.  When David arrived at the Israelite camp at the Valley of Elah they were full of fear (anxiety; 1 Sam. 17:11,24).  What would cause a young boy to do what David did?  I have heard people say the same thing that his oldest brother Eliab said, that David was about seeking glory for himself.  I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle (17:28).  But we must find David’s motivation in his own words, because a young boy is not going to fight the giant just to make a name for himself.  There must be something more compelling.  And there is!  Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (17:26).  He felt safe and secure in the hands of the LORD: The LORD … will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine (17:37). 

We need to have a sense of safety and security.  We cannot function properly is we are filled with anxiety.  How can we draw upon the LORD?  The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Pr. 18:10).