By Jim Kok, Crystal Cathedral Pastor
"Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved." -Psalm 62:1-2
In California, the occasional "temblors," as little earthquakes are called, and the constant threat and talk of the inevitable BIG ONE, erode our senses of security. After the magnitude 6.7 Northridge quake years ago, some older folks - whose personal vulnerability had already been aggravated by the loss of spouses, health problems, or physical agility issues - were rumored to be sleeping fully dressed with travel bags on laps, or on couches close to their front doors. Their security was shattered.
Natural disasters are not good. We cannot simplistically say they are from God. The damage, death, and destruction they bring is too sad and too terrible for anything but lament and anguish. It is distressing to see little children, older folks, or anyone, lose zest for life because of the ravages of an earthquake or because they are fearfully waiting, expecting, anticipating disaster. For those paralyzed with apprehension, we pray that God's implanted denial system may once again turn on so they can live again "as if" safe.
On the other hand, an eye-opening jolt high on the Richter Scale can awaken those whose denial-systems work too well. Cruising, idling, or drifting along, completely immune and detached, thinking that bad things happen only to other people, is like an illness itself. Earthquakes, for most of us, work as an effective temporary cure for a false sense of security. Sometimes we are so smug even our reach toward God is perfunctory instead of desperate. An earthquake can change that.
When there is no place to hide, nothing to be done, and everything could shake apart or crash down on top of us in a few seconds, we quickly recognize our only True Security. Few things focus the mind as well as a mid-sized earthquake to clarify instantaneously what really lasts, what cannot be broken or taken away. Thank God for life's temblors.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that when my life is shaken, you are the solid rock on which I stand. Thank you for being the safe place I can run to when afraid or feeling insecure. Amen.
Reflection: What situations in life cause you the greatest distress or feelings of insecurity? How does knowing that God is greater than all negative situations help you to carry on? -Hour of Power
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