Your Safest Place

by John Michalak

I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices. My body shall also dwell in safety.

Psalm 16:8-9

It’s tough to have a sick child. High fevers, runny noses, and even messier body functions. Constant moaning and crying. You just pray for healing and a return to normal.

But one thing can be nice. Sick children are often clingy and want to cuddle. Because their world is upside down, the safest place is within your arms.

We all need to feel secure. And when security is lacking, most can’t function. It’s said a frightened cow won’t give milk. A threatened tortoise will retreat into his shell. When we’re sick, tired, or hungry, overworked or stressed, when there’s no money, when we have no one to talk to or comfort us—we won’t focus on what’s good, we won’t behave the way we’re meant to behave.

King David understood that a big key to faithfulness and obedience to God is knowing that, with Him, we can always feel safe and secure. Even when your world is upside down, you can cling to Him like a sick child and find healing within His arms.

Consider your behavior. Is some of it sourced in a lack of security? Cling to God in your times of trouble. Let Him become your safest place. Then you can walk in stronger faith and obedience.