October 21, 2013

In February 2013, I was faced with the decision about what to do with my life insurance policies. How much is enough? Is the cost of the policy worth it? The watching eye of the agent made me feel pressure, and I was tempted to let fear rule my decision – fear of dying young, fear of “wasting money” by paying premiums for a policy I wouldn’t use. My wrestling ended up being a vain attempt to control something that I could not control (my lifespan). At the time, I was working on a sermon based on a text from Zephaniah 3. Part of the text said:

15b The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. 16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. 17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zeph. 3:15b-17, ESV)

The King of Israel, the LORD is with me. The LORD, who is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love, is with me. Because of His presence, my hands must not grow weak, for He is mighty to save. Not only is He present, but God’s affection for me is that He rejoices over me. Therefore, I act with my eyes fixed on Him.

With this is mind, the insurance decision changed. It went from being a weak attempt to control my life (thus allaying my fears with a false sense of control) to an opportunity to love my wife and family. Instead of “wasting money,” I would be participating in the means by which God would provide for them if I were to die. Fixing your eyes on God, and being mindful of His love, works wonders for your perspective.