Psalm 18:1-2
I love you, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Those who have gone through an earthquake will tell you, it is one of the scariest experiences. There is something so incredibly disturbing about the ground shifting and moving beneath you. Walking across the room or down the street safely is something we can easily take for granted. It’s not something we normally give thought to. But when that changes, when your foundation becomes unstable, we can be gripped by fear and even become immobilized. Where can you go; where can you hide when the very ground you are walking on is shifting? You can be left with a total sense of helplessness.
These are difficult times we are going through right now. Metaphorically, our foundation has shifted and continues to shift each day! Many of the things we normally take for granted have changed. Although temporary, we’re living out a “new normal.”
But we need not be shaken! It’s not a given that we experience instability and turmoil. We don’t have to lose our footing. Look at the first words of Psalm 18… I love you O LORD, my strength. These words capture the essence of this Psalm. It sets the tone. Those who truly love God, who have a relationship with Christ, will triumph in Him as their Rock and their fortress. They will not be shaken!
Everything around us may be in flux, shifting from moment to moment. But in God our Rock, we are firmly planted and stable. All else may change, but He does not change. He is our Mighty Fortress and we can find shelter in Him. We can call upon our Lord with full confidence because He is our stronghold. Clinging to and relying upon anything else apart from Him is as foolish as building a home on shifting sands. We find stability, peace, rest and safety in Him.
Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”
Ultimately, it will not be the Government that gives us safety. No bills passed will provide the comfort we need and desire. No vaccines or medical breakthroughs will give us lasting peace. There will always be another virus, another tragedy, a new challenge or trial in our lives. All of the man-made “solutions” are fleeting.
Cling to the ONE whose solution is everlasting. Find your strength in Him. Cast your cares upon Him. Not just during “the earthquakes of life”, but always. It all begins with surrender. Surrender your life and burdens to the Lord.
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Rey Garcia
Vero Bible Fellowship Elder Team