Then the angel who was speaking to me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, but I am very angry with the nations that feel secure. I was only a little angry, but they added to the calamity.’ – Zechariah 1:14-15
God is angry with those who feel secure? It appears that there were nations that were so secure in themselves that they had little need for God. I shake my head at their ignorance until I realize that my own securities drive me further away from God.
I find certain areas of my life where I am secure. I have led worship a long time and there are parts of that job I can do easily and under my own power. Because I am secure, I can get over confident. Why pray for help and favor? I’ve done this before, I have this covered. What a dangerous place to be. I think that it part of the reason I took on the teaching role. I knew I was way over my head. I knew to do that, I desperately needed God.
Maybe the less security I have in myself, the more I need God.
Madan is one of my favorite people. Steph and I met him in Spain when we were traveling with the Billy Graham Association. He is from India and has stories of his simple faith and trust in God that make me feel like a 2nd grader. He lives a life that demands that he be totally dependent on God. He has little basis for personal security. He lives a life I dream about. He is not alone. There are swarms of people who have placed total security outside of themselves. Security way beyond just saying the words. Anyone can speak, these people live it.
No wonder sometimes God seems far away. I have set my risk-less life up in such a way that if God doesn’t come through, no problem. I had a back-up plan just in case. As a mater of fact, I have it covered God, so no worries.
God, May I not live a life of security and trust in myself. Continue to stretch me and allow me the courage to risk to the point of legitimate and complete dependence on you.
[tags]security, devotions, life journaling, church, God, Billy Graham Association, risk[/tags]