Safety

We live in an increasingly unsafe world. Presentations of World News always read like the fictional creations of the tragedy genre; it’s almost as though nothing good happens anymore. Children are not safe, neither are the adults nor the elderly safe. In the same vein, individual, whole cities – and now, whole countries – are becoming unsafe.

There are countries that have given a vote of no confidence to their civil security forces. So even the police aren’t trusted to keep people safe anymore. Is there any succor?

[16] There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
[17] An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
[18] Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
[19] To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
[20] Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.

Psalms 33:16-20 (KJV)

This is interesting. Look again at verse 16. No king is delivered by a multitude of an host. What does this mean? Is this even possible? I mean, just think of the various movies we have watched depicting ancient times, and you know that a king needs his army. In fact, the more they are, the better. The more elite they are, the better.

So what is this verse talking about ?

Imagine the audacity and unambiguity of the statement. But before we frown at it, lets take a look at who was speaking; it was David, the prototype war-king. This means he knows what he is talking about. He has been there before. He also adds that a mighty man is not saved by much strength. So how is a king saved? How is a mighty man delivered? Are you thinking horses? Heavy weapons? Special op teams? Verse 17 dispels that notion.

So we have two challenges on our hands now. The first is; What kind of opposition confronts a king and a mighty man, that renders their security measures useless? The second is; What sort of measures does David propose as an alternative, since he was at least a king and a mighty man?

What is the answer to the first question? There are two such behemoths. Death and Famine.

Now is not the time to explore death or famine, but I am sure you will agree with me that armies and much strength are useless on the day that death comes for the king and the mighty man. When famine ravages lands, we discover the inadequacy of force.

As such, David proposes a two-part defense system, namely the fear of the Lord, and the hope on His mercy (verse 19). And in verse 20, we immediately see the effect of this dual approach: their souls will be delivered from death, and they will be kept alive in famine.

So this my counsel in the midst of the fears and security concerns is this: find it in your heart to fear the Lord and to hope in His mercies. He will see to your preservation.