Jimbo's Jots

We’ve all been to a circus watching the tightrope walkers successfully stroll across that thin band of wire 30 feet from the ground with somewhat ease. We’ve gazed in awe at the trapeze tumblers swinging from bar to bar with flips and turns and then out of nowhere, they’re snatched by their partner before they fall to the ground below. And in most cases, the performers do these stunts without a net below. So they are totally trusting in their own abilities and trusting their partner to be there so they don’t fall.

When I read our fourth desire, according to Mark & Debbie Laaser, this is the picture in my head. The fourth of our desires that we want to be safe. Feelings of safety are when we can “be free of all fears and anxieties.” (Laaser, p. 28) We want to be secure. Safety produces feelings of freedom and confidence.

Think leap of faith and trust that it will work out! Remember the scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? You know when Indiana Jones in pursuit of the Holy Grail, while standing at the lion’s mouth, had to step out when he thought there was no path to be seen. When he took that step, he saw the path that was before him.

Yet, we live in a world that feeds into our fears and anxiety. There’s COVID. There’s job security. There’s other health issues. When our anxious feelings are stronger than our sense of safety, it takes us down a path of “what ifs”.

In Numbers 13, the Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land. God told Moses to send some men in to explore the “LAND OF CANAAN, WHICH I AM GIVING THE ISRAELITES.” (v. 1) The men go in and explore. They come back and report the land is everything that they would desire, flowing with milk and honey. Yet, they also said the people of the land are much stronger and larger. “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” (v. 31)

They didn’t take the land because their anxiety based on their own merit in spite of the promise of God that they would be SAFE and were already given the land. How many of us have looked at life and said, “the burden is too big! I can’t make it!” While God is saying, “You are safe! Step out! Fly and soar!!”

Now let me add, that feeling safe or not is something that is instilled within us from the time we are born. It comes from having affirming voices in our lives. Growing up in a family that is healthy is key to creating an environment for everyone in the family to feel safe. That’s not to say families are perfect and don’t struggle sometimes. But it’s the approach a family takes to adversity that make sure everyone in the family feels safe emotionally, physically, relationally with each other and in their walk of faith.

What are the promises of God that you know for your life? Trust those promises and live your life without nets!

And as you live this life knowing you are safe in God, be blessed and be a blessing!