Self-preservation is part of our brokenness. We were originally made to live, work, and relate fully immersed and submitted to God. But we broke ourselves. We disconnected from the source of our strength and safety. Now we carry the fear that we’re not safe. So, we coax, connive, and control, hoping that just enough intervention will make things go our way. This fear is a terrible animal to feed. It whispers for us to lie, nudge, or tinker with situations and people. Some of us adopt more violent methods. We manipulate, coerce, or pressure. We learn to do whatever it takes. The stronger it becomes, the more enslaved we become. And the safety we pursue remains just out of reach, taunting us through stress and anxiety.

God saves us from this false master. He invites us to thrive in his kingdom. He teaches us that we are safe in him and in his world. Our well-being is in him. We truly can cast all our cares upon him because he cares for us.