During this Corona pandemic, the UK government is enforcing social distancing--a practice dating back to the children of Israel during the time of the tenth plague of Egypt. But the theme of the Biblical passage is one of spiritual distancing. 

"Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." - 2 Corinthians 6: 17.  

This verse may seem harsh, but it contains a wonderful promise. Take the sandals off your feet, put the dazzle of city lights behind you, and then you may enter into the presence of the immortal invisible immutable Holy and Eternal God.

The presence of God is not some flippant message or forgettable video on social media. We shouldn’t sugarcoat the gospel. It doesn’t need it. In the darkness and hopelessness of a sin-filled world, God forged a way of salvation that whosoever should trust in Him will have everlasting life. In His presence is fullness of joy. It is rich and deep and secure.  Isaiah 47 describes Babylon as deluded by its knowledge and wisdom and ‘secure' in wickedness. What security is there today from living in a 'great city' like Wuhan or London? The writing is on the wall. 

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded" - James 4:8

"And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." - Joshua 24:15

What a great opportunity we have whilst social distancing to go to our inner rooms and commune with God! 

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." - Psalm 91:1  

"As God has said: I will dwell in them and walk among them.  I will be their God, and they shall be my people." - 2 Corinthians 6:16b

Being secure can mean a lot of things in different contexts. 

For example, you can be secure in your finances, health, marriage, or job -- even secure in your own abilities.

That being said, you could argue that, in fact, nothing is TRULY secure because life is REALLY good at throwing the most aggressive curve balls.

One fine day you could be walking along enjoying your privilege and then you could get fired, or someone could betray you, or you could find out that you are sick -- and suddenly everything can change. Everything changed when the fire benders attacked.

This is because there are many aspects of life that you have no control over, especially when it comes to other people.

Being secure in your faith is a little different. This is because you have to make a personal choice to take a step of faith. You are the one who has to choose to trust in the promises of God and live in a way that honours Him.

The thing about trusting in Jesus is -- the more you actively choose to believe in His promises and the more experience you have walking with Him, the more He will show you how undeniably secure you are in His presence. This is a security that cannot be taken from you, because He will never lead you astray. He will be the most loyal friend, the greatest comfort, the most ardent supporter, a source of strength, and a well of unfathomable love.

As well as spiritual security, we also have historical evidence of Jesus as a figure and what He did for us. He promised to never leave us, and with that promise, He has left us with the Biblical account, historical evidence, and proof of His presence and work in the lives of millions through the centuries. These things are gifts that we can lean on in times of shakiness, or doubt.

So even when other aspects of life are uneasy, you can be SURE that you are secure in Him, the unshakeable truth of His word,  and the promise that He will never leave you or forsake you.

What a relief!