Many years ago, there was a fervent debate about proposed seat belt laws. Was it an infringement on personal rights? If I understand the risks and I'm the only one affected, should I be forced to comply with a rule? Even if I would wear my seat belt anyway, who is the government to tell me I have to?
Many years later, most of us automatically buckle up. (1) We don't want a ticket. (2) Although we don't plan to crash, we'd like to be prepared if we do. Seat belts save lives. But not everyone who wears a seat belt survives a crash.
God gives us hope as a safety belt. Hope gives us courage just as seat belts give us a sense of security. In both cases, we're relying on something or someone else. We have hope in God and his courage strengthens us. We feel secure by the strap of fabric across our chest. God protects us, as does the seat belt. We can rest in safety. Not safety of a 100% accident-free record (or trouble-free life). Safety of using the wisdom and guidance God gives us and resting in his will for us.
How do you feel about wearing a seat belt? How do you feel about God's security?
Commit to one of the following verses as God's safety belt for you this week.
Keep me safe, O God,for I have come to you for refuge. - Psalm 16:1 (NLT)
Those who trust their own insight are foolish,but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. - Proverbs 28:26 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” - John 11:9-10 (NLT)
