Where Safety is Found

I sat up in the dark room, shaking. I grabbed my phone and texted a friend, my breath ragged. Safety. I desperately craved the feeling of safety. But because of my PTSD, even in my own bed and in my own home, I felt like I was in imminent danger.

“Tell yourself you are safe,” podcasts and friends advised me. So I did. Because in reality, I was safe. But somehow I can never seem to convince myself that I am truly safe. This world is a scary place. Politics. Pandemics. Strained relationships. Isolation. Natural disasters. Shortages.

There are countless things that daily threaten our physical, mental, and emotional safety. However, we are safe. I’m not saying life will be easy. I’m not saying we won’t encounter scary and dangerous things. In fact, if you live on planet Earth, that’s a given.

The reason we’re safe is because of God. He makes us dwell in safety. No matter where we go, we can be under the shelter of his wings. No matter what we face, he is right there beside us, guarding our backs and going before us.

So this morning when I opened my eyes and wanted to curl up in a ball and hide from the day, I whispered a prayer for help. As I got out of bed and went to take a shower, trying not to panic at my stress levels, God reminded me that I am not alone. He is walking with me and protecting me.

Lord, thank you for the care you have for your children. Help me to rely on you in every area of my life. I trust you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Throughout This Day: Remind yourself that God loves you, that he is good and wise, and that his will for you is good, agreeable, and perfect even if it is not always easy. Thank him that you are safe in his eternal care whenever worry or anxiety surfaces.