LIGHT FOR A HEALTHY LIFE (7)

“I will both lie down in peace, and SLEEP; for You alone, O Lord, make me DWELL in SAFETY” – Psalm 4:8

Allied to Sound Sleep, personal and family SAFETY are prime offshoots of LIGHT for a HEALTHY LIFE: ““I will both lie down in peace, and SLEEP; for You alone, O Lord, make me DWELL in SAFETY” (Pro.4:8). Safety refers to the condition of being protected from danger, risk, or injury; freedom from the occurrence or risk of injury or loss. Many human and environment risk factors surround us daily. Meanwhile, safety can have profound impact on overall well-being. Many promising lives and career have been halted and destinies terminated by brutal, but avoidable injuries from domestic or workplaces accidents – falls, trips, slides, collisions, falling objects, and electrical or fire hazards.  

To sustain top health, demands intentionally and proactively keeping safe rather than tempting God: “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; but the simple pass on and are punished” (Pro.27:12). The careless or reckless person has no sight or sense of danger, continues without care or concern, and pays unpalatable penalties. God consistently assured Israel that as long as they kept His word, they would “dwell in the land in safety” (Lev.25:18-19; Dt.12:10). However, He does not encourage careless or reckless living. The safety of His people was His concern: “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance [SAFETY] is of the LORD” (Pro.21:31).

Psalm 20:7 affirms that “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” While we must never stop trusting God for safety and security, we do have the responsibility towards ensuring personal and collective safety. Although our trust must not be in chariots and horses – the arm of flesh that fails – the horse must still be prepared for days of battle! Our first responsibility towards keeping safe is to PRAY in Faith, believing for God’s protection, and trusting in the guidance and instructions of the Holy Spirit.

We each make personal choices that affect our health adversely or favourably. When we pray as the Lord prescribed, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Mt.6:13), part of the answer is that we do not lead ourselves into temptation through risky, careless living. Many “accidents” and health problems could be avoided if we proactively paid greater attention to SAFETY at home or work, on streets, highways, sports arena, and in gatherings within and outside buildings, thus enhancing overall health.

Safety at home is particularly relevant to children and the elderly. Injuries due to slips, trips, and falls are major public health challenges and leading causes of death and illness. Many risk factors are preventable through lifestyle-behavioural changes or environmental adjustments. Above all, the Holy Spirit indwells to teach and guide us to cultivate Safety Instructions and Precautions: “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is SAFETY” (Pro.11:14).