Life’s Earthquakes

Earthquakes were perpetual threats to the people who lived in New Testament times. In his study of those times, Dr. Rodney Stark described how conditions often were unsanitary. And there was the constant threat of fires, plagues, and earthquakes.

Because most structures were built of wood, they burned quickly. In fact, many cities were destroyed by fire and had to be rebuilt repeatedly. These disasters could be devastating. Because of construction weaknesses, buildings easily could collapse. As a result, Dr. Stark found, “inhabitants lived in constant danger.”

Paul faced the reality of this threat after he was placed in a Philippian jail. Suddenly, around midnight, the whole area was shaken by a “great earthquake.” It was so strong that “the foundations of the prison house were shaken.” Locked doors flew open and even the chains of the prisoners became “unfastened.”

The jailer was filled with fear, and concluded that all hope was lost. But Paul reassured him that he and the other prisoners were still there. Because of the reaction of Paul and Silas, the jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” He saw his need for whatever had sustained and empowered them.

Earthquakes are just one of the natural disasters that strike throughout the world. But other kinds of “earthquakes” also can shatter our daily lives. How can we be ready for the unexpected?

The psalmist found the answer. The key is to make God “our refuge and strength”—to trust in Him and make Him our foundation. We can realize that He is “a very present help in trouble,” and He can deliver us from every fear: “Even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (Psalm 46:1-3).

Today, make God your refuge.