Shaken?
What interesting times we are experiencing. It seems that each day there is a new headline. It might be the weather patterns, the political atmosphere, or a host of other issues. Young parents wonder what this world will hold for their children. Parents of teenagers feel great concern about life choices and education possibilities. Older people experience health concerns. It seems there is a lot that can shake us up on a daily basis.
A few years ago, we visited our children in California and spent a day at Universal Studios amusement park. We enjoyed riding many rides but one of my favorites was a sort of virtual reality ride. We entered a small room and were all seated together in a cart. The doors closed and immediately we took off – or so it seemed. The cart appeared to sail through the air and approach all sorts of sudden disaster. We jerked from side to side and up and down as we sailed down steep roller coasters and crashed through walls. Personally, I do not like to ride roller coasters. I have ridden only once and vowed to never ride again, so I was tempted to close my eyes as I did on that two-minute ride of terror long ago. I knew, however, that I would miss the fun if I closed my eyes, and I knew one more important thing that kept me calm. The cart we were in was secure. Actually, we had not even moved. We were just shaking about as the vision of the ride surrounded us. Several times I held on to the sides of the cart and looked down at it to reassure myself, but I knew I was safe. As the ride ended, the door to the little room opened and we all climbed out of the cart, laughing at the adventure of our wild ride.
At times, life itself can seem like a wild ride. The experiences we face can shake us up. In Proverbs 31:25 (NLT) we read, “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” “How,” you may ask, “can I be like that woman?” Each day, the unknown events of the future can seem overwhelming. There is no way to control what may happen. Just the thought of all the “what ifs” can leave us shaken.
Yet, just as I trusted that I was in no danger while riding in that cart, I can trust in God who controls all things. I am reassured in His Word “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.” Psalm 16:8-9 (ESV)
Yes, God is with me. In fact, as we read the extent of God’s presence, fears of today and tomorrow are calmed.
“I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
Psalm 139:7-12 (NLT)
As I experienced the virtual reality of the ride, the cart was my security. As I experience the realities of life, God is my security. “Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.” Psalm 112:1,6-8 (NIV)
The ride shook me up, literally. As I choose to keep my focus on God and trust in Him, I will not be shaken.
I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 (NLT)
Thank you for the reminder that we are secure in the hands of our Lord.
God’s hand is the only place of security.
Wow Carol, what a great message. I have ridden on some of those roller coasters, both at the amusement park and in life. So thankful for the safety harness that God places around us.