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God alone is our source of security. Insecurity comes from placing our affections in the wrong place. The true source of security and contentment is God alone. Insecurity comes from placing our affections in the wrong place. The true source of security and contentment is God alone.
Main Points:
- The Status of the psalmist and all believers (verse 1).
We are like refugees, dwelling in a foreign land and seeking asylum from the insecurity that comes from persecution. But refuge can be found, and in one place: God. This refuge is not elusive; God longs to be sought after. In New Testament language, we now find security by being “in Christ.”
Anxiety-producing agents mentioned in this and related psalms: the all-day-long nature of our spiritual battle; brazenness of the wicked; living and working with those who can use their tongues to harm you greatly; the inability of humans to be ultimately fair; people who want to do you bodily harm; constantly being in the minority; even those close to us seeking our downfall.
Ultimately, the question that arises in insecure circumstances and that is addressed by the whole book of the Psalms is this: Why are such things allowed in God’s sovereignty? God’s purposes revealed many times in Scripture are to make us seek Him and to arrange our thinking to correlate with His plan.
- God alone is the Source of our security.
God is an ironic source of security (verse 2). Human nature tends to put things as the source, but the mere possession of things does no security bring. Neither is security found in removing the agent that causes insecurity. It is not a function of insulation or isolation but of knowing God.
God is the exclusive source of security. David’s “inheritance” language in verses 5-6 refers to the gift of the Promised Land to Israel. As Joshua parceled out each family’s land, it was taken as a personal and permanent gift from God. As David had been expelled from his home, he realized that security came not from his home but from the Giver. Stuff, people, finances, etc. cannot minister security.
God is a personal source of security. We can only access security through a relational submission to who He is. The names of God used by David reflect this process: “God” or Hebrew “El” recognizes God’s existence and unique capability as the All-Powerful One. Lord or Hebrew “Yahweh” or “Jehovah” is God’s covenant name and reflects His character of keeping His corporate promises. “My Lord” or the Hebrew “Adonai” expresses God’s sovereign right over my own life. It is not until we reach this level of relationship with God that our soul can prosper.
- The Solution to insecurity – how do we access God’s security?
What you say. David talked to God and reaffirmed what was true about Him in order to align his heart and thinking with God’s perspective. He also expressed his value of what God values in wanting to be with God’s people (verse 3).
What you do. David refused to turn to other sources of security (verse 4). He praised God and cultivated a heart of thanksgiving for good and calamity (verse 7). He kept his eyes on the Lord (verse 8).
When we find our security in God, we will experience great joy as David did. God gives us guidance, counsel, and divine instruction when we struggle to submit to His sovereignty. We are promised bodily resurrection and given eternal life now, a taste of the power of the age to come.
Application Points Consider these questions as we seek to arrange our attitudes under the truth of God’s Word:
Where do you place your security? Is it in your finances, your family, other people around you, national events, or something else? You are most secure when your affections are placed in God. How can you trust Him more?
Are there any insecurity-causing agents in your life? How do you react when faced with these circumstances? What do you talk about and to whom?
Prayer is a powerful tool in the search for security. It can align our hearts with God’s will. When you pray, reaffirm God’s character instead of questioning or worrying over your circumstances. Tell God how amazing He is – He loves it, and He is worthy of it!
Do you value God’s people as He does? How do you show that? Being in the company of believers is the clearest and most practical way to express your love for God.
Tools for Further Study Cross References to Explore: Psalms 56-60 – other miktams of David that speak about security Acts 17:26-28 – the goal of God’s sovereignty James 4:8a – God wants to be sought. Luke 22:42, Hebrews 5:8 – Jesus learning obedience Matthew 25:40 – Serving God’s people shows love for Jesus. Job 2:10 – Good and bad come from God.
A Hymn to Encourage: Joy To the World! Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the world! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love.