There’s no denying that we live in a dangerous world. We don’t have to look too far to see the evidence of violence and anger, and sometimes it’s too close for comfort.  If we try to process what we observe through a non-spiritual lens, it can be frightening and overwhelming; but relying on God for our protection gives us confidence.

Trusting our own ability to protect us and our loved ones can leave us uneasy. There’s always something that can go wrong and punch through our perceived ring of security, but God is well able to keep us safe from harm. When Saul was trying to kill David, David confessed his trust in God’s protection. “And he said, the Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” (2 Samuel 22:2-4). This is still true today.

Sometimes evil is more subtle and manifests itself through the words of others. Most of us have been in situations where someone tried to persuade, or even coerce, us to do something we knew was wrong. Doing the right thing is hard sometimes, especially when the approval of others is at stake, and it is a real test of our character. Trusting God to influence our thoughts and behavior keeps us from spiritual and natural danger. “And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil” (2 Thessalonians 3:2, 3).

For every action, there is a corresponding result or consequence; and when others try to harm us, they hurt themselves. The evil they intend for us ricochets back onto them. The world may call this “karma,” but it’s a spiritual truth that God won’t abandon those who depend on him for their protection. “The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous” (Psalm 37:12-15, 17). Our belief in Jesus makes us righteous, and our trust in him protects us.

Living only according to what we see doesn’t take into account what the word of God says. During his ministry, Jesus predicted a rise in crime, global unrest, and a proliferation of evil, but he also promised to deliver those who believed his words (Matthew 24:6-13). Yes, the danger is real, but God is also real, and he’s more powerful than anything that threatens us. That’s true security!