Hurricanes and Earthquakes in Our Lives
September 1, 2011
At the end of August most of us experienced something new for the very first time! An earthquake in New Jersey! As many of us tuned into the news that day, we also learned that the hurricane Irene was threatening to visit us, which created a lot of havoc as well. Earthquakes and hurricanes, not the kind of things that helps us relax or experience rest and peace!
Earthquakes and hurricanes often find their way in our lives. They are the unwanted visitors, whether we like them or not. What a fitting analogy for many of us, especially your pastor these days. As we enter our busy season of ministry this fall, my wife, Dianne, was diagnosed with cancer, my oldest daughter left home and went to college for the first time, my youngest daughter turned 17 and received her driver’s license (yikes!) The temptation during such times has certainly been to worry, fret and be anxious.
But Psalm 46 invites each of us to make God “our refuge and strength” and “a very present help in trouble.” The Psalmist encourages us to not “fear though the earth gives way though the mountains be moved in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” It is a strong reminder that no matter how great the earthquakes and hurricanes in our personal lives, God is the one who can provide safety and peace!
The Psalm ends with an interesting invitation from God Himself, “be still and know that I am God… I will be exalted in the earth!” It is a call by God to spend time with Him and discover the quietness and calm that He alone can give—no matter how great the circumstance. This is a call to spend quiet time with God in prayer and in His word, reflecting on how turmoil and chaos in our lives can instruct us and conform us into the image of His Son!
So let us turn to the Lord and discover the stillness and peace that He alone can give. And let us accept by faith that every hurricane and every earthquake in our lives can provide opportunities to discover that He indeed is a refuge and an ever present help in trouble. God is only looking for us to trust Him and be willing! Are you?
September 1, 2011 at 10:44 am
Wow Pastor, that really touched me. I have been struggling all week without power or running water. Just got it back 1 hour ago. Every day got mor difficult and I admit I kept getting angrier, weepier (is that even a word?) and short tempered. Thanks for reminding me how I should have spent my week. But I know that God is good and he loves me even when I fail.
God Bless you and your family, know I will be praying for Dianne and the girls. ( I also can relate to a 17 year old with her liscence, Jessica has been driving for 5 months now)
See you Sunday. Have a Blessed weekend!
Dina
September 1, 2011 at 1:42 pm
It seems when our burden is the greatest is when being tied to Jesus’ yoke is the most blessed – I trust God will show your family great and mighty things as you weather even these storms and new adventures in your lives (I think Danielle driving might be the greatest of all!). Not a day goes by that I don’t offer a prayer for you all!
September 1, 2011 at 4:32 pm
With all that occurs in life, I find it too easy to forget that I am loved and watched over by him that is all powerful. May God bless you and yours Pastor Joe, our prayers are with you.