When we were new to Indonesia and learning the language, our beloved house helper would enter our home in the morning with a demure smile and the greeting, “Selamat Pagi!”. Although we might have been a bit groggy or perhaps grouchy(!), she always brought a smile to our faces, too. We soon realized that “To say “Selamat Pagi” means that: You are thankful that you are safe, alive and healthy this morning so that you can say, “Selamat Pagi”; You wish someone you greet is safe, alive and healthy this morning.”(ww.masteringbahasa.com). We were intrigued that Indonesians greeted one another with ‘Selamat’ meaning safety and well-being. The word is related to Shalom in Hebrew meaning peace and wholeness. Indeed, we all desire safety and security. Yet these are tenuous states because none of us know from one moment to the next what will happen to threaten our security.
Safety and security can definitely be elusive. For instance, a close relative had a serious health issue recently. We were worried. Night and day it constantly tugged at our heartstrings. We knew she didn’t have the support she needed and she was too far away for us to help. We feared for her safety and for her heart (feelings). So we prayed and prayed through the twists and turns of her surgeries. It caused me to examine my attitude toward the person who should have been helping her and wasn’t. And it reminded me that God works in spite of human shortcomings. True, the surgeon made mistakes, and a family member was unsupportive. But in spite of it all, God did what he is so good at doing for his children. He intervened and brought healing. He used another doctor who came onto the scene and other family members to be available virtually. We saw that her Heavenly Father carried her through with his comfort and peace in spite of human failings. She felt secure in his arms. She’s home now and appreciating fun banter on texts from her brothers and nieces. And God gets the thanks.
So how do we find security, peace, comfort, and hope? Especially when things aren’t going that well? When our hearts ache and when it seems like a long time for an answer to come? Here’s what I have been thinking about this week:
We can’t always defend ourselves from all the things that can threaten us, but we can rest secure in God no matter what happens.
We can’t manufacture peace, but we can put ourselves in a place to receive it.
We can’t comfort ourselves (altho we may try to with food, entertainment, buying things, etc). It’s so much better to cooperate with God so he can comfort us.
We can get discouraged and lose hope, but when we put our thoughts on God’s promises in the Scriptures, he restores hope.
“The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.” Deuteronomy 33:27
God wraps us in his arms of security, comfort, hope, and peace when we come close to him. But if we stand at a distance, how can he hold us? So how do we get close enough to God so that he can hold us?
We get close to him by trusting that his sacrifice for us made it possible for us to be forgiven.
“But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him [Messiah]
the sins of us all.” Isaiah 53:5-6
We get close to God by obeying him instead of doing things our way.
“Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.” Psalm 48:18
We get close to him by reading what he has to say in the Bible.
“Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.” Psalm 119:165
We get close to him by meditating on his words throughout the day.
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3
We get close to him by trusting he has a good plan for us.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28
We get close to him by relying on his promises, not our feelings.
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” Psalm 42:11
We get close to him by praising him with words and music.
“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.” Psalm 5:11
We get close to him by trusting that he’ll do what he said he would.
“until at last the Spirit is poured out on us from heaven. And this [his] righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
My people . . . will be at rest.” Isaiah 32:15,17-18
We get close to him by believing he is who he said he is. And we are who he said we are.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10
We get close to him by leaning into his love and grace.
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
We get close by praying to him honestly laying out all our feelings and needs. And then honoring him by thanking him for all he’s already done.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
The closer we get, the more he can give us his security, comfort, hope, and peace.
It’s a great trade! We give him our fears, discouragement, and insecurities and he gives us his peace, hope, comfort and security!
I like that!
Takeaways:
Trust that God provided a way to be forgiven
Do what’s right with his help
Read his Word
Think about who he is – loving, compassionate, forgiving
Remember his promises
Thank him in words and music
Talk to him about your needs
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Jesus in John 16:33