"God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth do change. And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas."
With all the earthquakes and tsunami threats recently, this verse has taken-on special significance. I was joking with someone Sunday about the absurd media hype over the tsunami threats to Hawaii. There were shore cameras and reporters standing by for hours, waiting to see what turned-out to be little more than a repeat high tide. Still, it demonstrates both our obsession with disaster and our fear.
At times like these, we need a "gut check." IS God our refuge? Or is it the assurances of "experts" on CNN or Fox News? Do we run to God or Glen Beck, to the Word of God or "World News Tonight?" Scripture promises that God is "very present," but do we feel or even seek Him?
I sometimes think that while God doesn't "cause" these natural disasters, he allows them to remind believers of His rightful place as our refuge. Regardless, it's a proper response to use them as a motivation for prayer, fasting, study, and meditation.
Are you?
Let's pray for and encourage each other to that end!
In Jesus,
Pastor Joel