When Mountains Crumble and Fall
Scripture Reading — Psalm 46
We will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea ... Psalm 46:2
You might remember hearing news reports and seeing pictures of a mudslide that struck a coastal community near Los Angeles, California, in early 2005. Part of a mountain gave way and slid down onto the homes below. Fifteen homes were buried; six people died.
That disaster reminded me of Psalm 46: "Though the earth give way and the mountains fall ..." It's a reminder that even though we often look to mountains as a symbol of stability and security, even they can crumble and fall.
When the psalmist writes about mountains falling into the heart of the sea, it's a way of describing a world that gets turned upside down. The lives of people who experienced the mudslides in California were turned upside down with grief and suffering. People who've had to deal with hurricanes and tsunamis know what that's like too. In fact, any of us who've had a tragedy or loss knows what it's like to have our world turned upside down.
Though nothing in this world is certain, the psalmist reminds us that even in the worst of times we can draw strength from the One who made the heavens and the earth. The Bible often refers to the Lord as our Rock. No matter what the future has in store, the Lord our Rock will never crumble.
Lord God, as this year comes to a close, help us to trust that no matter what the future holds, we need not fear because you are our Rock, our refuge and strength forever. Amen.
About the author — Joel Sheeres
Rev. Joel Sheeres is the pastor at First Christian Reformed Church in Crown Point, Indiana. He and his wife, Christine, have three children. Pastor Sheeres has previously served at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, Illinois.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!