by Graham Mol
Have you ever experienced an earthquake? I’ve encountered a few minor tremors in my lifetime but nothing that would classify as a full-blown earthquake. In reading of the experience of those who have lived through quakes on the higher end of the Richter scale, one of the comments that is often made is how terrifying it is when something that you know to be solid and dependable, the ground itself, is now shaking and unstable and dangerous. You don’t know where to run.
If you think about it, we build our lives, quite literally, on the solidity and dependability of the ground on which we stand. We walk confidently, not cautiously, because we know that the ground will not disappear or move under our feet. We build homes of brick and mortar on ground that we know will support it. All of that comes tumbling down when the earth undergoes upheaval.
For many around the world, the earth is shaking. We’ve experienced great upheaval in our lives and even as we seem to be settling into a “new normal” there is a great deal of uncertainty. Our nation is entering into the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic right now, just as many of us are tiring of the strict regulations and practices that have been put in place to reduce the risk and spread of the virus. There is a tension in the air, before the anticipated storm. This is uneasy ground upon which we tread. Where are we to turn in the midst of such uncertainty?
The author of Hebrews writes the following beautiful words as he quotes from Psalm 102:25-27:
“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
11 they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment,
12 like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will have no end.” (Hebrews 1:10-12 ESV)
In such times of uncertainty we can find comfort and assurance in the constancy of God. He is more solid and dependable than the earth on which we stand. He is the originator of all creation and He will endure when it all fades away. Through all the changes, the twists and turns of history, He remains the same. Not only is the Lord unchanging and enduring but so too is His word and therefore His promises to us (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35).
I find comfort in this. I find a firm foundation in a time of shifting sand. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, if the virus will spread exponentially, if those I love will be harmed by its dreadful touch. I don’t know what will happen to our precious nation. But I do know that God is good, that He loves us and has compassion on us. I do know that He alone holds the future. There is no changing with Him, no turning away. I can bet my life on Him, as He already gave His life for me.
3 When I am afraid,
I put my trust in You.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4 ESV)
God Bless
Graham
Thank you Graham!
We need more of these kind of messages in the current climate- uplifting, supportive and understanding posts that can build our strength.
Our country and communities are really hurting. These kind of posts allow readers to re-direct their focus to God’s love….so that we can “love one another”. Thank you, dear Graham!
Thank you Caryl!
I like that…. I can bet my life on Him!
😀
Thanks so much for this encouraging message. I really needed to hear that today. God bless.
This is just what we needed to hear especially after being notified that the virus has hospitalised one of the residents in our complex.
We needed to hear that God is still on the throne, unshakeable and unmoved, the same yesterday, today and forever.
Thank you Graham