I often tell Jay I think we are over-insured. When he left Baptist Tipton, Baptist Minor Med, Baptist ER, and I left Burch, Porter & Johnson, the life insurance we had provided portability (very important).  It was a no-brainer to opt to take the insurance with us without a significant increase in premium. Jay’s ability to be insured at this point is, well is nil to none.

Jay and I invested in our first life insurance plans as a young family in 1995, one year before Trey was born. I watched my mother struggle after my father passed away because they did not have adequate life insurance. There was no “college fund.” I knew I did not want to ever struggle like my mother. I found it odd that my parents invested in burial insurance policies and not LIFE insurance policies. Those policies were eventually bought out by other companies and their value decreased to a very small cash amount. It did not hurt my feelings when my mother turned the cash over to me at 20 years old. I thought I had come into some money! (Not.)

As most of you know, if you have insurance or are in the insurance business, premiums tend to skyrocket each year; health and life. I’m so thankful that 25 plus years ago we took out policies that provided for us after Trey died. We are still holding a few policies that are not providing a great benefit, but I am too afraid to let them go. How many of you are contacted by your broker telling you that you need to have an annual review of your insurance and retirement benefits? Even though those calls, emails, and texts are annoying, I still know that I need to meet with a financial advisor about our insurance and retirement. “You know you need to plan for a rainy day!” Yes, I know. I feel I have already experienced a few floods.

I heard something on The Message XM Radio last week that made me think about our insurance situation.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” Ps. 91:1-2

What do you think of when you hear shadow? The psalmist refers to the “shadow” of God. In literal terms, a shadow provides little protection, itself. The imagery, however, is of someone who is close enough, and protected enough, that the shadow of their protector is on them.

That’s when the radio announcer mentioned that God is our insurance. BAM!!

In reading Psalms, I never thought of God being my insurance. We purchase insurance today so that if we are injured, hospitalized, or even in the event of death, we are provided for – protected. Christ’s death on the cross provided us with insurance for eternity. How do premiums come into the picture, I thought. Premiums are usually paid monthly, at least in our case. Just as premiums pay for the insurance of protection, being a Christian sometimes comes at a cost. All you have to do is watch the news, work in a toxic environment, remain in a hostile marriage, or suffer from a terminal illness – they all come with a cost of testing your faith.

I am thankful for the shadow of protection God provides – just as I am the life insurance I pay for monthly. In either situation, I know my future is secure. I know the value of my life will not decrease as long as I trust in my Savior. A wise young boy once said, “I’ll either be healthy in heaven, or healthy on earth. Either way, I know I’ll be okay.”

Have you invested in insurance? We are all insurable by God, but it’s a choice. You don’t have time to waste, my friend.