Feeling Secure?

"And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure."

Judges 8:11

People these days go to great lengths to ensure the security of their homes, possessions, and identities.  Layers of identification help online banking and shopping transactions maintain high levels of safety and security.  For this reason it seems ironic Gideon was able to smite the host who encamped east of Nobah and Jogbehah when the scripture says, "...for the host was secure."  The NKJV sheds light on the situation:  "Then Gideon went up by the road of those who dwell in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah; and he attacked the army while the camp felt secure." (emphasis mine)  Shaved Samson who said, "I will arise as at other times and free myself" and did not know the Holy Spirit had left him, faith in self--instead of God alone--makes us complacent and vulnerable.

Being secure and feeling secure are two different things.  Personally there is no tent that makes me feel secure, a thin wall of canvas or nylon separating me from the elements and wild animals.  This feeling of security made them vulnerable to attack.  Because they felt secure perhaps they weren't vigilant to keep watch at all hours, have their weapons at the ready, or devise a battle plan.  This passage provides insight into how our possessions or position in this world can lull us into a false sense of security:  a profitable career, sound health and mind, investments, and money in the bank can cause our faith in God to drift.  Since we feel secure with what the world can provide, what daily need do we have for God?

Jesus spoke a parable about the danger of covetousness in Luke 12:16-21:  "Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. ¹⁷ And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' ¹⁸  So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. ¹⁹ And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." ' ²⁰ But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' ²¹ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."  The rich man in the parable had an abundance of food and possessions and felt secure concerning his future.  But in reality he was vulnerable because he had poverty of soul towards God.  He felt secure but did not realise that night God would require his soul.

Genuine fellowship with other believers in the reading and teaching of God's Word keeps us sharp and fit for our Master's use.  The rust of complacency which quickly forms on our faith in God often requires the friction of trials and difficulties to remove.  We need to feel insecure so we will seek God and cry out to Him for protection, provision, and help.  It is ironic much of our labours in this world is to provide feelings of security and independence which hinder a close walk with Jesus.  Praise the LORD as Proverbs 27:17 relationships with God and godly people works to prepare us to face unforeseen conflicts:  "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."  Only God provides security in this life and for all eternity.  Leaning on our own understanding brings false security, but all who place their faith in God can rest assured of His presence and provision for all things.