Rockin' Your World

Songwriter Carole King’s next royalty check may be a little fatter than usual, thanks to Tuesday’s earthquake. Her song “I Feel the Earth Move” was not the first thing that came to my mind as my office shook Tuesday afternoon, but it wasn’t long before it popped up in conversation and on social media. I’m sure some quick thinking radio announcers gave it a spin in the hours immediately following the once-in-a-century event.

Other songs like “All Shook Up” and Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On (can you guess my age?) may be coming to mind now; or maybe you’re remembering the scene in “The Ten Commandments “when the earth opens up and consumes those who refused to come over to God’s side. None of this crossed my mind Tuesday; but here’s what I did consider—that I am not in control.

Now, we all know life can change in an instant. Traffic accidents, test results from a doctor, homicides, kidnappings, and more recently terrorist acts are daily reminders that life is fragile. We all know this intellectually. But for those unaccustomed to seismic activity, when the ground beneath you is vibrating, you get a fresh perspective on how little control you actually have over things!

Tuesday’s earthquake didn’t frighten me. I was a bit unsettled by it; but upon learning that it really wasn’t a disaster, it was kind of fun. Still, my mind turned to God because He is in control, He’s the one who:

“Without warning, He moves the mountains, overturning them in his anger. He shakes the earth from its place, and its foundations tremble. If He commands it, the sun won’t rise and the stars won’t shine.” Job 9:5-7 (New Living Translation)

I don’t believe the earth shook Tuesday because God is angry, but He did permit it to tremble. He has permitted Hurricane Irene to form and threaten the east coast this weekend. God allows natural disaster; I don’t always understand that aspect of His cosmic management, but it is His world, after all. His perspective is much greater than mine.

Two devotionals I read this week dovetail as I reflect on earthquakes and such. One dealt with overwhelming circumstances and the fear and worry that often come with them. As I pondered the writer’s remarks I made a note to myself that God allows testing so we can learn to trust Him. That’s not the first time that notion has crossed my mind, but it seems to be one I need to revisit!

The second devotional I read just two days after Tuesday’s seismic surprise. The author had been awakened by an earthquake; it was her first one and she, too, considered the frailty of life and also what is truly valuable. That writer referred to Psalm 18. Take a minute and read this rich piece of Scripture. It declares both the power of God and the protection He offers to those who seek Him. That’s the key—seeking Him.

The Bible tells us that none of us seek God on our own, that if left to ourselves we would destroy ourselves. Just look around. Everywhere we look we see violence and selfishness, war and destruction. Left to ourselves, we receive all the things that make life miserable. But there is good news!

God has not left us to ourselves! He is actively involved in His world. Events like Tuesday’s earthquake are one more way God is reaching out to you and me to gain our trust, to move us to seek Him, to realize we are not in control and that we need His help. God tells us through His prophet Isaiah to:

“Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6 (NLT)

If God has stirred your heart, respond to Him today! God is the only one who can see you through the disturbances that will come your way, whether they are physical, financial, or emotional. He loves you and while we may be puzzled by what He allows in our lives, His love is clear. The Bible declares it from beginning to end, and if there is any doubt still in your mind, Max Lucado suggests we “follow the dots of bloody dirt” up Golgotha’s hill and behold God’s love expressed in the death of his son, Jesus Christ.

Consider the cross, allow God’s love to draw you to Him, and trust Him to see you through the next thing that will rock your world.

To learn more about a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ click here.