I have been using a lot of packaging tape lately. We are in the process of selling our townhouse which means packaging and boxing up our belongings. I began noticing the characteristics of strong clear packaging tape. Tape secures cardboard into the shape of a box which is necessary to transport items. The clear sticky strip offers support when crisscrossed across the bottom of the box. Tape also seals boxes, providing safety, so the contents remains intact without falling out of its safe square protection. Tape secures, seals, offers safety, and support the moving process.
Tape – a narrow strip of material, typically used to hold or fasten something.
As it often occurs, I found myself wondering about the ways tape might metaphorically address the spiritual life. How does our triune God secure, seal, and support the Christian sojourner through life’s ups and downs? What are Truths that remind us we are secure, sealed, and supported by the God of the universe?
Join me as I dig into the Word connecting ways God meets our need for security, sealing, safety, and support.
Many verses in the Scriptures point to the security God provides. I love the confidence portrayed by David and other writers of the Psalms as they recognize the great gift of God to provide security. David declares in Psalm 16:5 that God makes life secure, so that in return he rests securely (see verse 9). In the wisdom literature of Proverbs 10:9, we learn that living life by walking in integrity with moral uprightness and an undivided heart before God supplies a secure way of life. The writer of Hebrews declares in 6:19 that the hope followers of Jesus have is “an anchor for the soul, both firm and secure.” Our hope in the promises of God remain secure which offers security in Him as we travel through life.
Take a moment to imagine the security God provides to your soul.
Just as packaging tape secures the cardboard into the shape of a box capable of holding a variety of contents, tape also seals the box so items do not fall out. How does God seal His followers? When Paul addressed Christ’s followers in Corinth he pronounced: “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 1:21). God’s seal of ownership is the gift of the Holy Spirit. To the church in Ephesus, Paul wrote: “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory” (1:13-14). When we choose Christ, He declares that we are His children and seals us the living Holy Spirit.
While tape seals the box, the Holy Spirit seals those who believe in the redemptive work of God through Jesus Christ. You could say, we are taped shut and sealed with the Holy Spirit living within our souls providing counsel, direction and comfort for the rigors and experiences of the day.
How have you noticed the Holy Spirit, God’s seal upon you, leading and loving you in the past week?
When I think of safety and support, God’s strength comes to my mind. The strength of God brings safety through Him which provides support when life feels blessed, sorrowful, peaceful, and painful. Both Psalm 61:3 and Proverbs 18:10 proclaim the safety and support the righteous experience in the refuge of the strong tower of God. Not only is God strong, but He makes His followers strong. We become like Him: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29). God alone arms His people with real strength (Psalm 18). His strength never breaks down and endures forever.
If you want to engage in a fun word study, look up all the ways God gives strength as recorded in the Bible. Reading through these Scriptures and heeding the Spirit within pours God’s strength into our being allowing us to live supported and safe in His presence. He is so good.
The Bible also describes the safety and support of God as “upholding” His people. King David described God’s presence in Psalm 37:23-24: “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Likewise, Isaiah proclaimed the mighty sustaining presence of God: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Imagine God literally wrapping His mighty strong arms around your torso supporting and holding you up, protecting you and keeping you safe in Him. When you feel weak, confused, and vulnerable lean into the righteous hand of God which upholds you with both safety and support.
Perhaps the next time you use adhesive tape to secure, seal, or support a box in order to keep its contents safe, remember the character of God which is always true, faithful, and eternal. He offers ultimate security, safety, support, and supernatural sealing. Rest in His promises.
God is dependable forever. His love for you endures always. God’s care for you never ends.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Psalm 59:17 – You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.
Proverbs 14:6 – Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Elizabeth Elliot. Secure in the Everlasting Arms: Trusting the God Who Never Leaves Your Side. Grand Rapids, MI. 2021.
Barbara Boyd. God’s Strong Tower: Peace and Safety in a Manipulative World. 2020.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Kutless. Strong Tower. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds8vcSJFe7E
Anne Wilson. My Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWLm6z42Gk8