You’re Looking for Security

I’ll be honest: I check my bank account more than I’d like to admit. It’s not because I’m planning a big purchase. It’s because that number gives me a strange sense of calm. When it’s up, I breathe easier. When it dips, a quiet anxiety creeps in. I tell myself I’m just being responsible, and that’s partly true. But I’ve started to notice that I’m looking to that number for something it was never designed to give me: security. 

That longing isn’t wrong. God placed deep longings in each of us for love, purpose, belonging, and, yes, security. The problem comes when we try to meet those God-given longings in places other than Him. That’s how we create an idol, and an idol always overpromises and underdelivers. 

Mark 10 tells the story of a man who knew that longing well. As Jesus set out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt before Him, and asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). He was young, wealthy, and powerful. By every outward measure, he had it all together. Yet he came running and fell to his knees, desperate to know whether he’d be okay in this life and the next. 

Jesus reminded him that “no one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:18). When the man insisted he’d kept the commandments since his youth (Mark 10:20), it became clear he’d been defining goodness by his own track record. He’d checked every box, and he still wasn’t secure. Our good works, however impressive, can’t earn the security our hearts are looking for.

Salt Water Never Satisfies 

Then comes the moment that stops me every time. Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Mark 10:21). The man went away sorrowful because he had great possessions (Mark 10:22). 

Notice what Jesus did first: He loved him. Jesus wasn’t trying to take something from this man. He was inviting him to release the one thing holding his heart captive so he could receive something far better: Jesus Himself. 

I’d like to think I’d respond differently, but I’m not so sure. Our culture tells us that more accumulation equals more security. The more zeros in your account and the bigger your retirement fund, the safer you’ll be. Someone once compared the pursuit of money to drinking salt water: the more you drink, the thirstier you become. I’ve felt that. “Enough” always seems to be one more paycheck away. 

And money isn’t the only thing we grip. It might be a job, a relationship, bitterness, or a secret sin. Whatever it is, Jesus asks us the same question He asked that young man: What are you holding on to that’s keeping you from Me? 

Finding Security in Jesus 

Letting go rarely happens all at once. But this story shows us a few ways to begin loosening our grip. 

Name what you’re holding. You can’t release what you won’t admit you’re clinging to. Ask God to show you where you’ve been looking for security apart from Him. He already knows, and He isn’t shocked. 

Remember how Jesus sees you. Before Jesus challenged the rich young man, He loved him. When God puts His finger on something in your heart, it isn’t to shame you. It’s an invitation from Someone who wants all of you. 

Turn toward the better thing. Repentance isn’t just feeling bad about something. It means turning from a lesser thing to the greater thing. Every time I choose to trust God instead of my bank balance, I’m practicing that turn. 

Stop trying to earn it. Like the young ruler, I can slip into thinking my good behavior keeps me safe. But security isn’t something I achieve. It’s something Jesus gives. 

Live with open hands. Openhanded living says, “Lord, I surrender all.” That might look like giving generously, holding my plans loosely, or praying over what I own. Jesus warned how easily wealth can blind us to our need for Him, and open hands keep our eyes fixed on Him. 

Security Is Closer Than You Think 

When the disciples heard this, they were astonished and asked, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus answered, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27). 

That’s the good news I need on the days I keep refreshing my banking app. My security was never going to come from what I can save, earn, or achieve. Only Jesus can secure me in God. The rich young man walked away from the very thing he came running for, and I don’t want to make the same mistake. 

I won’t pretend I’ve surrendered everything. When life feels uncertain, I still feel the pull to grip tighter. But I’m learning that the security I’m looking for isn’t hidden in a bigger number or a better plan. It’s closer than I think. It’s found in the One who looked at a man clutching his possessions and loved him anyway. 

So let me ask you: What are you holding on to so tightly that it’s keeping you from Jesus? This week, name that one thing before God, open your hands, and pray a simple prayer: “Lord, I surrender all.”