Finding Security in God Alone
Monday, May 20, 2024 by Melissa McLaughlin

A Precarious Moment

As I peered down, my body froze. I was painting the dormer windows on the roof of our home. Though a small Cape Cod house, the roof was steep.

I had propped the ladder against the roof and scrambled up. With my paint bucket and brush in one hand, I gripped the shingles with my other. This plan was not wise, but I was inexperienced and foolish enough to think I could tackle this painting job without assistance.

Once on the roof, I crawled closer to the dormer window. Realizing I needed to reposition myself, I turned my body to face outward, extending my reach to the window. Or so I thought.

Everything came to a screeching halt. Facing outward now, my eyes scanned the sheer drop to the ground. The roof’s steep slope felt like a launching pad prepared to catapult me.

I wanted to scream for help, but the muscles in my mouth clamped shut. My mind commanded my feet to inch toward the ladder, but my body would not respond. I was paralyzed.

I sensed that even heavy breathing might cause me to lose control and slide off the roof. So, there I shivered on the precipice, clinging like a mountain climber without a rope.

God, My Lifeline

Out of options, I began to pray. “God, help. God, help me.”

That’s about all I could come up with. No great theology. No well-formed thoughts. Just a cry for help. To the only One I knew could help.

I can’t remember how long I waited, immobile and petrified. But eventually, my dad arrived, planning to help me paint that day.

Looking back, I can laugh now. Dad called to ask why I was perched on the roof just sitting there.

“I’m stuck,” I shouted.

“Well, move your feet to the ladder and climb down,” he stated calmly as if this was any other day. Didn’t he realize I was about to die?

“I can’t move. My body is locked because the roof is too steep. I’m afraid I’ll fall.”

After a few more encouraging words from my dad, I clutched the roof and quivered down the ladder. The solid ground beneath my feet was a relief to my trembling soul.

This whole episode could have been avoided if I had waited for my dad’s help. Fortunately, I learned a few things, and the lesson stuck with me.

Where Do We Find Security Today?

As I look around the world today, it appears much like that day on the sharp-inclined roof.

We have few guarantees. Our health, jobs, homes, families, and finances can shift and collapse without notice. Even many churches are adrift, following cultural trends over Scripture.

When I pause to consider my existence, I see that everything in life is uncertain, and ultimately insecure.

Everything, except God. The God of the Bible.

Finding Security in God Alone

When I place my trust in God, my soul is anchored firm. I rest secure in Him.

For in Christ, the penalty for my past sins was paid. Through His indwelling Spirit, I have a Comforter and Counselor to lead me through these present days. As a blood-bought child of God, my future is secure. I am adopted into His family and assured of my place in heaven.

Forever, I am safe in God’s hands. No earthly harm can touch the divine Rock of ages who holds me steady and secure.

Do you have an experience when you cried out to God in desperation?

Because of Christ, though the frail and shaky world teeters around us, we are at peace.

For the One who holds all things holds you and me. In Christ, we are secure.

Psalm 62:1-8 – In God alone my soul finds rest; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken.

How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you throw him down like a leaning wall or a tottering fence? They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse.

Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor rest on God, my strong rock; my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.

Spiritual Life

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

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