When the Ground We Stand upon Gives Way

In the early morning hours while most were asleep, a powerful earthquake struck portions of Turkey and Syria on Monday. No warning sirens blared. No evacuations were ordered. All was dark and quiet as it should have been. Then the ground began to shift and shake. Hundreds if not thousands of buildings collapsed into piles of rubble. Thousands were killed. Tens of thousands

were injured. Multitudes were left with no where to sleep but the cold, snow covered ground. 

Our hearts go out to the victims as our prayers ascend to heaven. This is a human tragedy that will mark many for the rest of their lives.

I am guessing that most reading this blog post will not have experienced much beyond a mild tremor when it comes to earthquakes. At least literal earthquakes. But what about earthquakes of another kind. The ones that so rock our world that it feels like the ground we stand on is giving way. Everything we count on to bring stability to our lives is turned upside down. 

Since we are broken people living in a fallen world we will all face such times. If not today. Tomorrow. If not tomorrow. Next week or next month or next year. I am not being pessimistic just realistic. So, when life begins to collapse around us, what can we grab hold of that will keep us on our feet? Or perhaps, better said, WHOSE hand can we grip as we begin to lose ours? The Sons of Korah give us the answer in Psalm 46:1-3. But before looking at the first verse, consider verses 2-3:

2 

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

3 

though its waters roar and foam,

    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 

The writers here are describing an earthquake. In doing so, they are saying even if some sort of calamity falls upon us so that everything that brings stability to our lives is shattered, we do not have to fear! We need not go to pieces. Why so? Their opening verse gives the answer: 

God is our refuge and strength,

    a very present help in trouble.

2 

So when life begins to seem like it's falling apart, we can flee to Christ. He is our refuge. We are safe in his arms. He is our strength. He is always near! So reach out and grab the hand that Jesus is always extending to you. He will help you to stand when you can't stand on your own! 

One last thought before I sign off. Though we cannot travel to Turkey and Syria to help, we can “lend a hand” in the relief effort by opening our wallets and making a contribution toward the aid that is so desperately needed!

Thanks for stopping by, 

PJ