Her comment caught me by surprise.  

We stood together on the playground chatting about our young children and our time on “home assignment.” Both of us lived and served as global workers in countries where ethnic groups clashed, where insecurity was a way of life, where politics could be divisive. Concern for the physical safety of my children hovered about me like a dark cloud.   

Now in my passport country, I, perhaps naively, felt safe. Physical safety, apart from the everyday bumps and bruises of a four-year-old, seemed of little concern as I stood on the playground that day. I felt it was safe place to be–until my friend spoke up.  

“There, their life might be taken. Here, I worry their soul will be taken.” 

I wasn’t sure how to respond. Our conversation ended as kid-duty called, but I’ve pondered my friend’s comment for years. 

There, bars on our windows made us feel safe. Here, our home has no bars.

There, a high wall and razor wire around our compound offered some protection. Here, our yard has no walls, no razor wire. 

There, an armed guard stood at the entrance of each store, reducing the risk of a terrorist entering. Here, stores have no armed guards.  

There, I was constantly on the lookout for potential physical dangers. I often prayed for the Lord to protect my kids as they took the bus to and from school each day, as they played in our compound, as we shopped. My friend’s terse comment was a powerful reminder that both our physical and spiritual safety are in the Lord’s hands. 

Wherever we are, let’s pray with humble, faith-filled hearts for the Lord to protect us and those we love. As our hearts are stayed on the Lord, we trust him for both physical protection and spiritual protection. Our souls are safe in Jesus.