When was the last time you wondered where your next meal would come from? Have you ever wondered where you would end up sleeping at night? If you are like most people who live in first world countries like America then you probably don’t often give much thought to those basic human needs, just like most people don’t worry about where their next breath will come from or how they’ll get that air into their lungs. If you were living in a third world country you’d probably be less inclined to ask questions about whether or not you were happy or fulfilled because you’d be busy worried about whether war was going to break out or where you’d find clean water the next day. Before someone can search for happiness or purpose or fulfillment, they need to have a certain amount of security in their life. Much the same way before I can really be free to pursue joy in Jesus or rest in my Savior, I need to be at peace regarding my security in my place in Him.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:11–14)
You see, back in ancient times before texts, e-mails, tweets, status updates or even overnight delivery mail, someone of importance would take the document they wanted delivered and would put hot wax over the edge of the scroll or even the early envelope and take their signet ring and make an impression in that wax. This demonstrated to the receiver that the document was official and unhampered with. Much in the same way when you put your faith and trust in Jesus you are sealed in Him.
This means you cannot be hampered with and that God has put His approval or guarantee in the form of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a promise. He is a deposit, a down-payment if you will, of what is to come. Because we have not yet fully received the eternal promises of God. Our redemption is “already” and at the same time “not yet”. You and I are sealed in God and He has put down a deposit on us promising that He will return for us. In this you and I can find security.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord,the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day,nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121)
Have you ever spent time in the mountains? I never understood Psalm 121 until I lived in the mountains. You can always tell where you are based on the mountains. You know which direction weather is approaching based on the mountains and you prevent yourself from getting lost based on where the mountains are. What is bigger then the mountains? You find yourself often looking at nearby peaks in awe of their beauty and glory. Even though the mountains are majestic, wonderful, and beautiful to gaze upon, nothing is better than God to put your security in. God has got you in the palm of His hand. He is watching over you. He is watching out for you. Nothing will ever harm you when He is on watch. He won’t let your foot slip. He knows every step you take. He keeps you from harm. He knows each time you leave and every time you come back. He is watching. He is protecting. He is caring. He is there. He loves you and your security needs to be in Him alone. We can trust other things to protect us but they will fail. We can be cautious but He is the only guarantee that is truly guaranteed. My wisdom will end. My strength might be too weak. My knowledge might get lost. My resources will run out. My eyelids will get heavy and I will be too tired to keep watch. Not so with Jesus. He already knows everything. His strength is unmatched and unchallenged. His resources are infinite. His eyes never close in sleep. He is my security.