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“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.  Selah” (Psalm 46:1-3)

A little while ago we experienced an earthquake here in Grand Cayman.  It was a 5.8 on the richter scale.  We evacuated the church and school for a while, and many parents came by concerned. But, in the end, there is no damage and no loss of life.  We humbly give God praise.

Haiti looms in the minds and hearts of many.  Understandably so.  With the quake, I’m reminded of two things:

1.  The fleeting, flimsy quality of life is always a reality.  In Sunday’s sermon, I tried to address this directly in light of the tragedy in Haiti.  This Tuesday morning, the Lord did the illustrating himself by bringing it closer to home.  I wonder how many will hear the words of Luke 13:3, 5 and obey: “Unless you repent, you too will all perish”?

2.  It is the Lord who provides refuge in the times of trouble.  We could run to other shelters, seek sturdy buildings,or even the cover of an open sky away from any structure.  But buildings may be shaken down and the earth may be opened up beneath us.  The only refuge is God.  He is an “ever-present help” in trouble, so we who trust Him do not have to fear–come what may.

I pray that’s not an empty boast in any of our lives.  I pray that we’re so gripped with the awesomeness of God that quakes and waves are mere trifles compared to His exceeding glory and strength.  Only then will our hearts rest safely.

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

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