Finding Security in Troubling Times

In the world that we are living in today, we need security systems in place. Security provides us with protection. What is your security? Are you equipped with appropriate systems to provide the necessary security for your business and or your home? What about the security protecting your electronic data, networks and systems from unauthorized users? Just weeks ago, a devastating storm, Hurricane Helene, caused tremendous damage to Florida, Western North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. These individuals affected by this storm will never be the same!

To focus on the security systems that each of us provide for our homes was incomprehensible to the effects of this storm because individuals involved in the hurricane had little if any time at all to prepare for it. So, to answer the question of where our security is and if we are indeed protected we will look at scripture. By man’s standard, families could have had the best security systems for their homes, businesses and vehicles, but it would not have mattered because nearly everything they owned was destroyed, the houses were washed away in the flood or mud slides. One of the scriptures that supports the need for a higher power for our security is identified in Psalm 27:5 “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock (NIV)”. This scripture is reminding us that when we are facing trouble as these individuals were, God will put us in a dwelling place of safety on a rock and that solid rock is Jesus. One thing we can be assured from several passages in the Bible and the things the people in the storm could have come upon causing them fear especially since they did not have electricity, or water. The nights are probably cooler, but God is assuring them that he will cover and protect them that they not be afraid of the pestilence or diseases that could come upon them. Death is all around them and they are in unsanitary conditions, the last count I heard was 95 deceased. God’s truth shall be their shield and guide them even in the midst of all they go through because they are not alone, God is with them! Psalm 46:1 states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble (KJV” That is a very powerful scripture, that reminds us that God is our good shepherd and meets each of our needs even in our darkest days. We trust and believe that he will do all that he promises. The final scripture to encourage us is Psalm 122:6-7 which reminds us that we have Security in Christ. Just as God loves his chosen people the Jews in Jerusalem, he loves each of us and shall prosper us as we love him. Let us be inspired in the Word that God has provided and may it increase the faith to all that hear and it change their hearts to receive.

I have listened to many people share their testimonies about the devastation from this storm and how their Faith in God has carried them through their struggle. What can we do to make a difference in someone’s life? How can we provide support to our brothers and sisters in need? Sharing with others is a learned behavior, it is difficult for many to show generosity. When we observe young children at play nearly everything they touch becomes “mine” they also argue about who gets the biggest cookie or choose not to share at all with others. This selfish nature also becomes a problem with adults, some husbands choose not to give their spouse money liberally because they want to be in control and falsely pretend, they lack what is needed for their family. Also, as the Spiritual leader of their home they choose not to share in giving an offering or tithe unto the Lord. Leviticus 27:30-34 demonstrates to us how a tithe or tenth of our earnings belong to God and is a way of Worship. When individuals give their tithe and offerings to the Lord, they are showing that they trust Him with their finances because they are putting him first, as we observed in the previous scriptures, He is our Protector! So, what are some ways that we can provide Security and Comfort for these individuals that have lost everything? Individuals have given their tithes and offerings which provide resources into the church for the building of God’s Kingdom and in doing so churches may set up plans to provide for individuals with supplies needed as in this event with the hurricane. I am thankful for the donations that are being provided beyond those of the church that come from the hearts of God’s people. All kinds of things are needed for families because everything has been destroyed. Thankful for canned goods, utensils, paper products, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, building tools, heaters, propane gas, blankets, and heavier clothing that has being donated with love from inspiring individuals. I am gathearing blankets, throws paper products and collecting items from others to donate to the fire department to carry to the storm victims.

It has been a sad time for the families affected by the storm, and they need your support, please contact the Department of Public Safety through the NC Disaster Fund and the United Way at www.gov.com.  There are so many other entities that are providing support and welcome your donation of supplies. These are resilient people in North Carolina and the other states affected as will, and will be in need of assistance for a very long time because much structural damage has happened, roads and bridges are missing, and communication is almost nonexistent. These are a few local areas that are available to assist the people in Western North Carolina from the following locations:

• Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (828) 254-0471
• Goodwill of Northwest NC (828) 298-9023 Asheville /Buncombe County
• Pine Level Fire Department -110 W. Main Street Selma, NC 27576 (Accepting water, non-perishable items, hygiene products, first aid kits, baby food and baby formula; you can drop off donations in back of the fire department

So, to ask the question again, where does your security lie (Psalm 52)? Is it in your houses, land, money, businesses or your children? When we look at the devastation of Hurricane Helene, we see that none of those things was a match for the storm, judgement was upon the land, and many of those things listed above were lost. As testimonies of survivor’s shared those that put their trust in God through Christ Jesus realized that God gave them strength, courage and peace to endure in spite of their loss because their refuge and security was in God! This world offers us things that they believe will solve our problems, but the things they offer are only temporal and will suffer loss. Remember, only what God can do is eternal as what he offers from his Son is Eternal life through Salvation.

I am DrWanda Robinson Lee, Life Coach, if you would like to know more about choosing Security in your finances, your life goals or if you would like to help us in our collection of items to donate to the victims in Western North Carolina please contact me at 9196051257 for your donation of items and or peruse my website at wandaphd.com to receive your free consultation. Hope to speak to you very soon!

Blessings and peace,

DrWanda Robinson Lee

Life Coach/Author and Motivational Speaker