As I write these words, the stock market has just plunged 512 points.  Where the market may be when you read them is anyone’s guess.  But given the fact that the economy has endured a long litany of problems, the outlook is not positive.  Economic counselors advise us to invest in gold, to stay in the market, to invest in real estate, to open offshore accounts, etc.  No one really knows what will happen or what to do.  Japan’s economy is shaky.  Many of the nations making up the ECU are failing—Greece and Spain in particular.  And many others, including the United States, appear on the brink of collapse.  Whatever the nature or extent of a future calamity, the Lord is graciously giving men the opportunity to recognize that security is an illusion, and with that recognition comes the opportunity to examine our lives and take stock of our spiritual state.  Surely, those who know the Lord can rejoice in the assurance of salvation and point those whose hearts are “failing them for fear” (Lk. 21:26) to the One Security, the One Surety, the One Savior, Jesus Christ.

How many times and in how many ways the Lord reminds us that He alone provides salvation and security, I can’t say.  But among the many promises we may claim are these.

“The name of the Lrod is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it and is safe" (Pro. 18:10).

"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:  for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee” (Psa. 9:10).

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13).

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38, 39).

“Blessed be the Lord my strength . . . My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me” (Psa. 144:1a, 2).

Trials may come.  No, trials, difficulties, problems, and troubles of all kinds will come.  Scripture does not promise that we will avoid the tribulations that fill a sin-cursed earth.  Speaking of a specific kind of trial—reproaches for Christ’s sake, Peter observes:  “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad with exceeding joy” (I Pet. 4:12, 13).

Whether anticipating trouble, in the midst of trouble, or having been delivered from trouble, believers may rest in the security of the Lord and rejoice in the certainty of ultimate blessing for those who stay on Him.

No investment counselor can secure our financial future; no doctor or medical treatment can secure our health.  But we may say with the psalmist:  “My soul . . . hope thou in God” (Psa. 42:5, 11).  And we can and must point a fearful, troubled world to the only Savior from sin and Deliverer from destruction.