intentionally secure...

I’m hoping that by putting the word intention in the title that you are beginning to get clued into the topic of my mini series of writings on the intentions that guide my life. I wrote here how this idea got formed in me.

Today’s intention is really twofold. Relating to the idea of security- where do we get it and how do we live it out?

I intend to deeply know that my security comes from my heavenly Father and cannot be taken away.

I wrote a while back about my intention to be emotionally mature- the best gift that I can give to others in a relationship. I’ve also written that I intend to live as if people matter more than anything else (because they do).

Because of my love of people, I have often gotten tripped up in finding my security and significance in a person or in a relationship. Sensing their approval or disapproval and adjusting my behavior and expectations according to that.

I think as believers we all at least give lip service to the idea that we are secure in the Father’s love. He loves me and that is what matters most.

But often, I/we do not live that way.

I lay awake wondering if I offended ‘this or that’ person by saying ‘this or that’.

I am deeply disappointed to not be included in something believing that I’m not liked.

I name drop so you realize how special I am.

I work hard to please the people around me, often to my detriment.

The list could go on- perhaps you could add some.

Today, while reading an old journal, I was reminded by my writing that I am precious in His sight, I am valuable to my heavenly Father, I am made beautiful by Him and for Him, and I am special because He’s made me special. And so are you.

Precious.

Valuable.

Special.

Beautiful.

How do those strike you? Do you throw your head back, smiling and think, ‘yes, yes!’

Scripture is clear that I am held securely in my Father’s arms.

He holds my future and my present.

He formed me with a purpose in mind.

My love from His is secure- it will never change.

My position in His family is secure, I am His beloved daughter.

We get this kind of security from the God of the universe, who chose us and continues to choose us.

That’s where we get it.

Not from family. 

Not from friends.

Not from a job.

Not from grades, education, or financial prosperity.

We get it from Him. I intend to continue to tell myself that often.

This knowledge, reaching from my head all the way down into my heart and out through my actions, impacts me every moment.

We get our security from Him and we work it out in our daily lives and actions.

I work it out by asking myself this simple question routinely, “How would a mature and secure woman of God respond in this situation?” I intend to continue asking this!

I have to give Beth Moore the credit for this one. She taught me years ago to ask this question of myself when I felt unsure of how to respond.

Then she went on to say that she would picture a mature and secure woman of God in her mind, and purpose to imitate them.

You see, knowing deeply that my security is determined by God alone, changes how I love and live in every situation.

I can love without expecting something back because I know that He has my back.

I can love where it is risky to love, and I might get hurt, because He has my back.

I can love first, not knowing of your response, because He has my back.

That’s how mature and secure women of God respond. They love. 

They love extravagantly.

They love lavishly.

Because they are securely held and they feel that.

How about you?

Are you starting to get the idea of jotting down some intentions to live by.

I want to determine how I am going to live and love and not let it happen by chance. I see that example in Jesus all through the gospels. And I want that.

How about you?