With all the “crazy” going on in our country today–and in the world in general–is there a Word from God? What are we to make of riots, disasters, shootings, and other tragedies? In addition to addressing injustice, how are Christians in particular to think and act?
We may not like to admit it, but the truth is that bad things happen in this world and that they happen to everybody. Bad things come in many shapes and sizes: earthquakes, tornados, tsunamis, job loss, health problems, and the death of loved ones.
All of these occurrences are the natural outworking of a universal problem the Bible calls sin. Ever since sin entered the world in Genesis 3, the Bible says that all creation “groans,” eagerly waiting for the consummation of the age when “the sufferings of this present time” are eclipsed by incomparable future goodness and glory (Romans 8:18-23).
This, of course, is the confident expectation of the Christian. While Christians face the same difficulties, tragedies, and tribulations common to all persons, they also have the promise of a future life in heaven. This gift comes through repentance from sin and trust in Christ as Savior.
Until Christ returns, however, Christians may enjoy the powerful presence of God in this world. When tragedy and disaster shake the ground under our feet, we rest secure in the God who created the ground that shakes.
The Psalmist knew what it was like to trust God in difficult times. One of the reasons he wrote Psalm 46 was to remind us that when everything else is coming down around us, God is still there. David wrote that God is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).” He added, “Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling (Psalm 46:2-3).”
Last Friday our nation paused to solemnly remember the tragic events of September 11th, 2001.
Just a few days after that horrific day an experienced New York cab driver found himself having unusual difficulty finding his way around the city. He kept getting turned around because he had grown accustomed to using the Twin Towers as a reference point for his driving. With the reference point gone, he was having great difficulty regaining his bearings.
The God of the Bible desires that we look to Him as our “reference point.” He’s not going anywhere. He will always be there. He is the Rock that never moves.
So when your foundation shakes this week, look to Him. Look to Him and trust in the One who has made Himself known to you in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is there as your Refuge and Strength, a very present help in troublesome times.
What About You?
- Do you know God as your refuge and strength? Have you turned to Him and received His Son Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
- How can Psalm 46 help you “when your world is rocked?”
- With whom can you share this truth this week?
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