Earthquake

I grew up and lived most of my life in Southern California. Therefore I am fully aware of what it feels like to experience an earthquake. There are two types of quakes, one that feels like you are in a boat going over ocean waves. The other type is a sharp jolt or series of jolts. I can’t say that one type of quake feels worse than the other, as they both are frightening. By God’s grace, I was never in a place that was seriously damaged by an earthquake, although severe damage did occur close by. You can prepare for an earthquake, but you can’t fully predict the damage.

Earthquakes can certainly shake us up for a period of time. But emotional and relational quakes seem to disturb us much longer. After all, how do you quickly put behind you such disturbances as a sudden life threatening health diagnosis, a death of a loved one, a broken marriage or a severed relationship? These circumstances shake us to the core and the consequences can be devastating.

We can also prepare for these types of quakes. As with earthquakes, we need to build a strong and firm foundation. Psalm 16:8-9 says, “I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.” The firmest foundation is one that cannot be damaged or shaken. For the troubles that life brings our way, the strongest foundation is faith in Jesus Christ. When we continually dwell in His presence, putting Him first, He keeps us from being shaken. In fact, instead of damaging us, these emotional earthquakes lead us to joy as we see God protect and strengthen us. Let’s start building a firm foundation for life by beginning a life of faith in Jesus Christ.