I accept that there are troubles, difficulties, enemies and tragedy in this world.  Granted the pressures that these influences place upon the psyche and personal constitution is sometimes overwhelming.  Let us not forget that this is the world and the day which God has made.  This place is exactly the way it should be and no amount of whining, lamenting or running is going to make it go away or change.  This world is intended to produce reaction, the type of action which sponsors decision based on helplessness or lack of control.  No amount of running, hiding, escaping or relenting is going to produce “real” security in this world.  The only hope for safety, security, lasting peace and salvation is under the protective covering of the Lord Jesus Christ.  When these staggering pressures or enemy assaults threaten to steal your breath, stability and footing then let them drive you to the arms of God as they were intended.

There are many directions to which a man may turn based upon earthly influences.  One may turn to escape, captured by the certain private euphoria sponsored by any particular drug designed to take away over-contemplation upon the circumstances.  We know that this creates a perpetual cycle, producing no real solution, but rather providing a modicum of relief for a prescribed period of time.  The fictional world initiated through this escape is a maze or a cage that often produces consequences worse then the agitator which encouraged the escape in the first place.

Shrouded in a lonely world of shadows, double lives and secrets and is not a good place for Christians.  The enemy goes about seeking to destroy and devour believers finding Christian snared in this type of personal cage is especially enticing.  satan finds those in this state weakened, unprotected as easy prey and delights in consuming those who call themselves by the Name of God.  We as sons and daughters of God must stand against the wiles of the enemy and the seemingly overwhelming pressures of this world and “know” that the Lord God will fight for and deliver us.  Although hope in God is something good to have, knowledge of God is true faith.  The peace which comes with knowing the promises of the Almighty and that He will never leave us nor forsake us is an impenetrable armor.

Another false sense of security may from time to time be produced through personal output, monetary gain, bodily prowess or increased academia.  These would be acceptable forms of safety if they in fact protected us from all adversarial influences.  However, we all know that work efforts are short lived, money requires constant attention, age eventually makes even the strongest frail or feeble and learning is relatively useless when it comes to the affairs of the heart or ruthlessness of tyrants.  These dalliances are temporary and offer no permanent resolution or peace and just as the walls of the city protect its citizens they must be maintained with vigilance to protect against enemy stealth and natural decay.  That is because all of these paths are self-maintaining or self-reliant and cannot be perfectly upheld, because we after all are human and we get sick, tired, hungry and sleepy.  These are a bit more deceptive attacks perpetrated by the enemy but no less effective than the escapist’s realm.  If I am depending on me for safety/security then I have decided upon a insufficient battle plan fraught with the weaknesses of man and destined for failure.  We must remember that our enemies are relentless, powerful and supernatural, they may only be defeated by God through the Word and the Spirit.

Finally, there are many who would turn to the enemy for solace.  These deserve the most empathy, prayer and compassion, for they have turned away from truth and been blinded to believe that the hungry lion will not devour them when no other prey is available.  They have lost from the outset, as false gods provide nothing but despair.  Revelry is short lived and those who celebrate tonight regret in the morning.  The consistent elixir of each sin  steals a bit more of life from the imbiber.  And when the storms or fury of war approach those dependent upon false gods find that they are quickly abandoned to the myth which claimed their fealty from the outset.  There is no other God than the Great I AM.  He is the only shelter from the storm.  Turn away from fear and learn to know your true Father.  He will stick closer than a friend and be there til the end and beyond.  In the Name of Jesus Christ the King of All, I pray.  Set them free Lord.