Voices In The Wilderness!

Where Is A Safe Place?

Many of us listening, watching, or reading the news notice a trend that seems to be continuing. This trend we may notice is intolerance, selfishness, and an uptick in violence. My son, who is 20 years old, continues to believe mankind will damage the world through war — wondering how much time his generation has left on the planet. Many of us who are parents wonder what should we say to our children? Recently, I came across some disheartening news about a local mall. It’s facing a significant loss of stores due to the alarming rise in juvenile violence. These young individuals are resorting to fighting, shooting, and harassing people, disrupting their daily lives and causing widespread concern in the community. 

We are also observing the alarming trend of armed conflicts escalating. First, it was Russia and Ukraine, followed by Palestine and Israel. Now, Iran, the US, and Israel are involved in a conflict. Prices for essential items like food, oil, power, and gas are continuously rising. Amidst these unsettling developments, many individuals are left wondering, “Where can we find a safe place?” 

A Safe Place…

Jesus Is Our Safe Place

I’ll begin with Psalm 46:1, which states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Yes, the Lord is our refuge. He is ever-present, watching over us and is our safe place. The scriptures continue by saying, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer… in whom I take refuge.” – Psalm 18:2.  What’s worth noting is the phrase “in whom I take refuge.” Taking refuge in the Lord is a choice because it requires our faith to do so. 

To emphasize the Lord’s active focus and protection over us, we must simply believe what the Word of God clearly states. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty…” -Psalm 91:1-2. Let us pay close attention to the wording. If we choose to “dwell in the shelter…” and “will rest in…”, while these statements affirm the power of free will, the scripture also affirms the Lord’s desires for us. Furthermore, we read, “The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life.” -Psalm 121:7-8. Therefore, the Lord’s intent is clear, and the protection is available if we stand in faith. 

What About Free Will?

Yes, free will undoubtedly plays a significant role in this matter. As I previously mentioned, believing and having faith is a deliberate choice. Moreover, it requires consistent effort to nurture and sustain that faith. Remember the biblical verse, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” -Romans 10:17. The question arises: are you actively choosing to nurture your faith by engaging in activities such as reading, studying, praying, and sharing the word of God? To experience a sense of safety, protection, and guidance from the Lord, we must remain “in the Lord.” This implies that we are connected and united with Christ. As believers, we are spiritually intertwined with Jesus, sharing His life, death, and resurrection. This also signifies that God is with us through the Holy Spirit. Despite our free will, we must choose to listen to the word of God, study it, speak it, and act upon it. When we live in accordance with His will, He will guide us from within and provide us with protection. This inner guidance and protection serve as our strength during challenging times and is our “safe place.”

Let us remember the comforting words of Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.” The Lord is our unwavering refuge and shield, so let us stand firm in our faith! 

Let Us Pray!

Remember, the Gospel is good news for all situations! 

8 responses to “Where Is A Safe Place?”

  1. Thoundia Avatar
    Thoundia

    AMEN, AMEN AND AAAAAAMEN 🙏🏿 IT’S ALOT GOING ON BUT,THE BIBLE SPEAKS OF IT.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rev. Dr. A.T. Robinson Avatar
      Rev. Dr. A.T. Robinson

      Yes, many believe we are entering the end of days and the bible does speak of a time where people will be disrespectful, arrogant, high-minded, lovers of themselves more the lovers of God, and perhaps the advent of social media bringing in that time period. So, yes, we have to be prepared in our faith to stand ready as these events unfold. Thank you very much for sharing.

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  2. Kroshenda Avatar
    Kroshenda

    Even though I grew up hearing this and believing.

    it’s still comforting to know and the break down was definitely a plus

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Rev. Dr. A.T. Robinson Avatar
      Rev. Dr. A.T. Robinson

      You are so correct. Many of us have hard so much of the Word over the years, however it’s like taking a booster dose, we just need to hear it to reaffirm some of what we already know, and if we can learn a bit more then that’s great! I believe one of the points we have to continue to cultivate is our faith. Many a believer moving through life can neglect the critical daily actions of reading, speaking and hearing things that affirm our faith. Let’s continue to grow! Thank you for sharing!

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  3. Diamond in the rough Avatar
    Diamond in the rough

    Daily reading coupled with reminders such as your post help us to stand firm in the faith. It’s refreshing to get encouragement in these challenging times. Deuteronomy 33:27 reminds us that God is and has always been a “safe place.”

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    1. Rev. Dr. A.T. Robinson Avatar
      Rev. Dr. A.T. Robinson

      Amen! I agree it is so very important we get that daily dose of affirmation that God is our source, supply and protection in challenging times. The aspect of faith is such an overlooked subject in regards to security. Also, to increase faith we need to feed our spirits with continuous spiritual food, the Word. Yes, God is and has been our “safe place”. Thank you for sharing!

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  4. ruinsboldly99c5c9a8a5 Avatar
    ruinsboldly99c5c9a8a5

    This blog was truly encouraging and gave great perspective on the fears and uncertainties many young people are carrying today. It helped me better understand how this generation views the world around them while also reminding us that faith and God’s presence remain a safe place during difficult times.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rev. Dr. A.T. Robinson Avatar
      Rev. Dr. A.T. Robinson

      Yes, this generation is feeling a certain way, but so are all the previous as we speak of what seems to be the rise of “veiled hatred”. There is a growing intolerance that is veiled as equality for all, but it’s actually decreasing voting rights, removing diversity from the workplace and creating an environment of intolerance and bias as many people sleep. This intolerance creates an environment in the world where many focus on tribe and war. Fortunately, the Lord is our safe place, and empathy, caring and kindness are the message through faith in Jesus. To do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Amen! Thank you for sharing!

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