by Marilyn Ehle
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer…” Psalm 18:2
The world watched in horror as the earth beneath northeastern Japan shifted. Even before the life-shattering tsunami roared ashore, buildings were reduced to rubble, wide chasms appeared in once-solid roads, wells became infernos as gas seeped into water.
Dependable, substantial, trusted earth had moved. Far beneath what could be seen, tectonic plates shifted. Instantly earth, indeed life, was realigned. What had been normal existence for hundreds of thousands of people was forever altered. A trustworthy archetype of trustworthiness failed.
The greatest altering of the norm was seen at the cross. The previous paradigm—the model held by many for pleasing God—was destroyed and God’s plan from eternity past was made evident to all who beheld its mystery.
Poets and musicians have deeply explored the understanding of God as Rock: Rock of Ages, cleft for me; On Christ the solid rock I stand; the Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. Unfortunately, most of us easily accept the world’s paradigm, a model of self-sufficiency, governmental provision, or even an attitude of I-deserve-it. But when whatever we have called solid and dependable shifts, when life crumbles around us, that is when we look for an immoveable foundation. And that is found only in the God who never fails, who never changes, who always loves.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
(Edward Mote, 1834)
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2011/10/14/me_shifting-earth/
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