Twelve. The number of homes I’ve occupied in my lifetime. Three before I was married and nine since. Half we’ve owned, half we’ve rented. Some of our moves have been from necessity but some have been our choice. All have been within the same state. In every location, I’ve felt secure, but not necessarily because of the neighborhood or the structure itself. Those things help for certain. We researched neighborhoods and schools before choosing to buy or rent.
Having my husband with me also gives me assurance, but before kids and when our children were small, he often had to work nights. It was during those years, when I was home alone for the first time in my life, that I learned where my security truly lies.
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
Proverbs 3:24 NIV
https://proverbs.bible/proverbs-3-24
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalms 4:8 NIV
These words of scripture came to life for me as I tucked my children into bed and in the silence that followed, I heard every creak of the temperature-changing-house-settling into its foundation. I heard the noises of insects and nighttime animals blend with traffic sounds and imagined frights. On those nights, the stillness was louder than my three children playing during the day.
These days, my own thoughts and cares keep me awake far more often than noises. Sounds, especially familiar ones, calm me. My husband’s steady breathing, the dogs snoring, the air cycling on and off, wind and especially rain all have a soothing effect on me, but on nights when it’s too quiet, the words of scripture come back to me time after time.
“God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.””
Hebrews 13:5 NIV
https://hebrews.bible/hebrews-13-5
These words didn’t come to me mystically or suddenly in my hour of need. They were present because of a learned discipline I have chosen to keep by faith. This discipline was modeled for me by my parents and grandparents, as well as many other saints I’ve encountered along the way. I have kept the faith with my own children and I will continue with my grandchildren. The Psalmist names this discipline “hiding God’s Word in my heart,” (Psalm 119:11) and I have practiced it from earliest childhood. Jesus Himself spoke of the fruit of this practice.
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:26-27 NIV
https://john.bible/john-14-26-27
Peace! At the end of a long day, who doesn’t want peace? He Himself is our Peace, (Ephesians 14:6) but there is more! My mind is renewed as I sleep. My thoughts are replaced by higher thoughts, when at just the right time, the very Spirit that Jesus promised delivers on His Word.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2 NIV
https://romans.bible/romans-12-2
The Word of God found in the Bible is enduring Truth. It has stood the test of time, unable to be discredited or destroyed, it speaks still.
“Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking.
For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!
When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.”
This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”
Hebrews 12:25-28 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.12.28.NLT
The Old Testament prophets were no more popular in their day than absolute Truth is in ours, but that does not diminish the validity of what was spoken and written. Whether or not God is taken at His Word does not change who He is or one letter of His revealed Word. Israel, His own chosen people through whom Messiah came into the world
He created, received direct communication from God through His spokesmen and women. Pastors and teachers continue to shepherd His flock today and are held to the same exacting standard. If what they say happens, they speak truth and we would do well to listen. (Deuteronomy 18:21-22)
“O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you.
I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.”
Hosea 14:8 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/hos.14.8.NLT
That is why I say, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Psalms 16:8 NIV
A Fitting Reply 
What a beautiful reminder to us all where our true security lies!
Thank you, LeAnn, for continual faithfulness to God and His word!
You speak volumes that we all need to hear and heed!
You bless my heart with your compilation of His writings and your heartfelt expressions!
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