Water bottle emptied. Shoes off. Electronics in the bins. I wait my turn to be scanned through security.  

As I stand in line, I mentally review my checklist for the umpteenth time: 

Yes, I brought my passport.  

Credit and debit cards sit securely in my wallet. 

I remembered my phone and charger and adapter.  

I packed my favorite hoodie in case it’s chilly on the plane.  

As I watch it all sail down the conveyor belt, out of my reach, out of my eyesight, a twinge of panic threatens. What if on the other end, someone takes my phone by mistake? Or my purse with my passport and credit cards? My favorite hoodie in my carry-on? All gone. All out of my control.   

“Miss, your turn. Step up here. Feet apart. Arms up.”   

Startled, I shut out my worries and obediently step up to the scanner. I place my feet apart and raise my arms. There I stand, feeling completely vulnerable. All my most important things for this trip are being examined. I’m being examined!   

After years of global travel, I know the drill, yet, every time I go through the airport security check, I feel exposed and helpless. It’s another opportunity to remember that my security is not in my things but in Jesus, my Rock. When all is out of our control, we can turn all the more resolutely to the One who is mercifully in complete control. He knows our faults and failures, yet as we are made clean through the blood of Jesus, He accepts us and delights in us. Jesus laid all aside, exposed and vulnerable on the cross, died and rose, so that we could be made right with Him!  

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; 
my salvation comes from him. 
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; 
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2 

“Miss, step on through. You’re done.”  

I put on my shoes, loop my purse over my shoulder, and slip my computer back in my carry-on where I see my favorite hoodie is still neatly folded.