One of the more obscure religious sects refuses to purchase insurance policies.  Their view is that their whole trust is in God alone.  Now that is not the position responsible Christians take in the secular world.  Christians put great emphasis on responsibility for unforeseen catastrophes.  St. George’s carries liability and Workman’s Compensation Insurance.  But there is a point to this obscure religious sect’s position.  Mankind has always been beset with uncertainty, toil, and trouble.  Mankind has had a constant struggle to obtain food, clothing, and shelter in a world of scare resources.  Along with mankind’s struggle has existed a longing for God as a divine protector, especially the Christian God who is closely viewed as our Father.

 

Many of us are from an older generation that experienced the great Depression and World War II, a time of great economic insecurity and uncertainty.  It was a time when the so-called “social safety nets” were not in place.  Welfare was a novelty and many needy people were too proud to accept it.  Insurance policies were not the norm as our society had not b become litigious.  Social Security was a new idea.  The concept of entitlement was foreign and unknown in the modern sense.  However, mankind has always longed for a sense of security, free from worry and anxiety.  Earlier generations found that sense of security in faith and family.  Modern generations have found that sense of security in a government that has become father, mother, and god to mankind.  Commercial organizations have created additional security blankets called insurance and even FDIC to protect their money.  If you are fortunate enough to work for a government entity, the safety nets are unlimited.

 

The reality of the wider world does not afford such security blankets for the global population.  The teaming masses of Asia, Africa, and other so-called third world nations still contend with want, poverty, and insecurity.  Most of the world lacks adequate housing, food, access to medical care, and opportunity.

 

Unfortunately, in the Western countries, the bonds of faith and family are diminishing as government becomes the all pervasive influence in our lives.  Yet behind the façade of human guarantees, thoughtful people realize that in this world, there are no permanent guarantees that are immune from being stripped away.  Thoughtful people realize that our trust is in faith and hopefully family, the greatest social support system for mankind.  King David brings to the forefront of our consciousness what it means to trust in God.  Psalm 91 is especially significant to believers whose first reliance is on the Almighty.  “Whosoever dwelleth under the defence of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty…. Thou art my hope and my stronghold; my God, in Him will I trust…..his faithfulness shall be thy shield and buckler.  Thou shalt not be afraid for any terror by night….”  It is in the Eucharist (the thanksgiving) that we recognize and honor God for his goodness and mercy.  Let us worshipfully put our trust in Him.