(By Rachel Joyce)
In these unsettling times, insecurity is even more widespread than COVID-19. Living with the stresses of the virus has had such an affect on people’s mental health that it’s called the second pandemic. A study done at Western University in London, Ontario reveals that anxiety is up 56%. People feel insecure.
The word insecure, according to Merriam-Webster, means: “Deficient in assurance; beset by fear and anxiety; not adequately guarded or sustained; unsafe.” King David knew what it was to feel unsafe. In Psalm 35, he described his situation. He had enemies opposing and fighting against him. Malicious witnesses falsely accused him of crimes he hadn’t committed and slandered his name. The good he had done to others was repaid with evil and he was sick with despair from the attacks and abuse.
As David poured out his grief and fear to God, he praised God and reaffirmed what he knew to be true, “May the Lord be praised, for He wants [desires] His servant to be secure” (Psalm 35:27 NET). That word “secure” in the original text, is “shalom, shalom,” which is often translated peace. It includes the idea of being well, whole, safe, and at rest. When you trace the word back to its root, it means to be safe in mind, body, or estate, to be complete, to make amends, and to restore.
We were broken by sin and estranged from God, but Jesus made amends for us. He allowed Himself to be beaten and tortured, He bore the punishment for our sins upon that cross, so we could be redeemed, restored to God, and made whole. Because of Him, we can know true peace.
Psalm 35:27 in the New Living Translation says , means: “Deficient in assurance; beset by fear and anxiety; not adequately guarded or sustained; unsafe.” King David knew what it was to feel unsafe. In Psalm 35, he described his situation. He had enemies opposing and fighting against him. Malicious witnesses falsely accused him of crimes he hadn’t committed and slandered his name. The good he had done to others was repaid with evil and he was sick with despair from the attacks and .
These truths stabilize and strengthen us. We can face the future with assurance because our God has promised, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5 NLT). He will be with us no matter what lies ahead. Our hearts are secure in His presence and His love.
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