Canada feels less safe this week. A number of recent events have shaken our security to the core. Terrorism hit our shores with the tragic attacks on Canadian military personnel in Quebec and Ottawa, and on Parliament Hill.
A Russian freighter came dangerously close to crashing off Haida Gwaii, renewing fears of the potential risk of increased tanker traffic in that area. And then there are the e-viruses - entero and ebola - that have North America on high alert.
It's enough to make one feel a little insecure! The natural response to this barrage of threats to our security is fear: circle the wagons; batten down the hatches; head for the hills; beam me up. But that's no way to live.
We all want security - medical, financial, military and legal - for ourselves and our families. But security is a myth. Bad things happen. There are just too many things outside our control.
The Bible tells us: "Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone - as though we had never been here." (Psalm 103:15-16, NLT) Our only real security is in God. The author of Proverbs wrote: "Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge." (Proverbs 14:26, NIV) Times when we feel insecure and afraid can be the best of times if they help us reach out to the only true security.
Mike Mawhorter invites dialogue at mike@ladnerbaptist.ca.