Safe and Loved

Written by Elizabeth Withers

Does your soul long for more? Here is a great study.

“And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6b).

My first year of teaching in the ghetto of Dallas proved challenging and exhausting. These children were living in horrible, violent circumstances. Singing songs at school couldn’t erase the horrors of home life and fill their need of healing.

Looking back at that first year–the words “safe and loved” resound in my head. Isn’t that what we all long for? Most of us have not encountered drunken rages of abuse, but all of us have a penetrating need of safety and love. Where can it be found? Jesus.

Stephen Baldwin, then and now: Bad boy reformed?
Jesus Christ, superstar?: Who was Jesus?

High Priest. Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Prince of Peace. Everlasting Father. Savior. Wounded Healer. He is safety and love. He is what the world can’t offer. He is what people promise but can’t provide. He is.

Too often we search in places that leave us longing and disappointed. For me, relationships and performance were my two areas where I sought safety and love. Not only did I walk away unfulfilled, but I was wounded. Dating relationships that promised a future turned sour leaving me saddened and hopeless. Striving for success and perfection which after numerous accolades left me hollow inside. Where do you turn when all fails? Jesus. Sunday School answer no doubt. True answer–yes.

He isn’t multiple solutions–He is the one. He understands my frailties, desires, and feeble attempts to solve on my own. And in the midst of the torrents of my cluttered thoughts and feelings, I hear,

” But I will restore you to health
and heal your wounds,’
declares the LORD,
‘because you are called an outcast,
Zion for whom no one cares” (Jeremiah 30:17).

Resting in God’s character has proven faithful. I am trusting His character to fulfill my heart’s desire for family and ministry, waiting for my Savior to leave me speechless in the day He chooses to answer tangibly.

Tired of being your own answer that fails? Listen above the clamor to the voice of your Savior that provides the desire of your heart and mine.

Questions: Where are you looking for safety and love? Is it bringing you fulfillment?

About the Author Elizabeth Withers

Tags: Dallas, Elizabeth Withers, Everlasting Father, ghetto, healing, Jesus, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Savior, Wonderful Counselor

4 Responses to “Safe and Loved”

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Linda R says:

October 13, 2010 at 2:45 pm

Em I just want to say that you have been on my prayer list for some time as awhile ago I don’t know how long you had asked for prayer for work so I have been praying for you about that. PTL you have a job but now it seems I should change my prayer for God to give you strength, Love and Patience for each day. What a Blessing you are for Jesus! Hugs, Linda!!!
Em says:

October 10, 2010 at 12:49 pm

Thank you, as some may have already read in previous posts, I am a native NY-er, but teaching in an urban neighborhood (which fits a lot of what you were describing in your teaching job). Not only are the children difficult to deal with at times (broken families, a lack of support & discipline systems in place at home, and disrespect toward teachers), but also pressure from my bosses/ administration & unfriendliness at work from co-workers, along with long hours & a tough commute, have really been challenging me recently to feel joy, peace, love. Thank you for this message, as I am seeking all the resources I can, to remain strong, courageous (as the Word commands), LOVING and patient, which is very much a struggle. I pray God’s Word continues to transform me, and the ones around me. Thank you & God bless for listening & sharing.
Nancy says:

October 10, 2010 at 10:18 am

Rejoicing in the Great I AM !
Susan says:

October 10, 2010 at 9:19 am

It’s amazing how Jesus reaches out, through people, to speak to our hearts and that’s just what He has done through this devotional. Like the author I too have been staggering under the weight of my “own answer” and am seeing in the midst of my pain, yet again, that I have wandered from the path to true happiness. I find it remarkable that I struggle with the exact same “measures” for happiness – relationship and performance – both of which leave me feeling anxious, insecure and unloved. And the LORD, through this revelation is so gently wooing me back to Him. How I praise Him for His grace and mercy! “On Christ the solid Rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand”. AMEN!