The Illusion of Safety

In Jeremiah 42, the people of Judah came to the prophet after Babylon’s invasion, shaken by all they had lost and fearful of what was to come. They begged Jeremiah to pray for them and promised, “Whatever the Lord says, we will do.” It sounded sincere... but when God’s word came back, it was not what they wanted to hear. Instead of fleeing to Egypt for safety, He told them to stay in the land, trust Him, and He would be their protection. By chapter 43, their fears won. They rejected God’s word and ran to Egypt, choosing the illusion of safety over the reality of obedience.

It’s easy to shake our heads at them, but if we’re honest, we’ve all been there. I remember a time when I was praying for clarity about a decision. I kept saying, “Lord, just show me Your will, I’ll do whatever You say.” But deep down, I had already decided what I wanted the answer to be. When God began nudging me in the opposite direction, I resisted. I tried to justify my preference, I delayed, I even convinced myself maybe I hadn’t really heard Him right. Like Judah, I wanted His blessing on my plan more than I wanted His plan itself.

And yet, His way is always better. Just as Judah’s blessing was tied to staying put in a land they feared, our blessing often lies in the very place we don’t want to remain. The very thing that feels uncomfortable or risky... forgiving someone who hurt us, waiting on His timing instead of rushing ahead, stepping into a calling that stretches us... can be the place where His presence meets us most powerfully. The “Egypts” we run to may look safer, but they always lead us away from Him.

This passage gently presses us to ask: Am I asking God for direction while still clinging to my own will? Am I willing to trust Him when His answer doesn’t feel easy or convenient? His commands are not to trap us but to protect us. His ways may not align with our comfort, but they always anchor us to His presence... and that is where peace truly is.

Prayer:

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve asked for Your guidance but resisted Your answer. Help me to trust that even when Your word feels hard, it is for my good. Keep me from running to my own “Egypts” and teach me to rest in the safety of Your presence. May I not just say I will obey, but live it out today. Amen.

Worship Song: