What do we do when the earth gives way?

Psalm 46:2 “Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

This verse is part of a chapter describing mountains crumbling, the earth shaking, waters roaring, nations raging and yet David, in verse 10, calls us to be still and exalt the LORD.  He boldly states, “We will not fear”. (insert pause)

I don’t know about you but I have never been witness to a massive event like a mountain falling into the sea. The closest thing I can relate to is when as a child, Mt St Helens covered the skies with darkness, the air with thickness and its destruction of life for hundreds of miles. It’s scary to think something like this could happen again, but I don’t think it can compare to a mountain falling into the very heart of the sea. Thinking for just a few moments on this is enough for me to imagine total helplessness and panic. 

But David, who to some was just a fancy poet/musician, stood with great power as a shepherd king and believed that,

 “God is our refuge and strength.” Psalm 46:1 

He declared we will not fear when we see mountains crumbling. In a previous psalm he ascribes ownership of the earth, its people and contents to the LORD. 

Psalm 24:1 reads, “The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness, the world and all who dwell in it.”

If it’s true we all live in the created world with a powerful owner who is our refuge and strength, then how do we live when the earth gives way? 

How do we want to live when the world changes all around us?  Not if, but when?  

How do we live knowing at any time in our world today all that we have known could be gone in an instant?

Though seemingly extreme, no one can deny these questions are not nearly as remarkable as they may have seemed in the recent past. One thing the last couple of years has taught us is that we can be certain that life is uncertain. The environment of our world and the reports we are bombarded with through its airwaves is enough to instill fear in all of us. 

Yet for me, I choose to not hold words of fear as sacred. What if I knew I belonged to the Almighty? What if I pondered past the fray into the very expanse of the created skies to the only ONE who was not created.  If the Almighty is true and real and above all things then, I choose hope. 

What do you choose? 

Lamentations 3:21-23

 “This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.” 

If this writing has stirred you, consider prayer and scripture today. Here is one for some…

Prayer: 

Dear God, 

Some people call on you and know they belong to You. Some people know and are certain of their choice of following You. 

I confess I have not understood all there is about you or this world but I’m tired of being afraid and I want to find hope and I want to belong to You. Please show me what I need to do to choose to trust you with my life and eternity. Please accept my prayer as acceptance of your sovereignty, love and forgiveness. Please help me to understand your ways and to stop esteeming fear as my default. If your love covers a multitude of sins then please cover mine and I ask you to redeem my life through your Spirit and make me know your wisdom and to begin walking with you this day. Please help me to live my life in a way that honors you even when the earth gives way. 

Amen.

Scriptures to consider: 

Psalm 27:1 NKJV

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? 

The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 18:28-30 NKJV

For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall.

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

Isaiah 40:29-31 

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,  and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord  will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

I Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.