We will not fear Change

God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble

We will not fear

If the earth should change

The mountains shake in the heart of the sea

And its waters roar and foam

And mountains tremble with its tumult.

Would you not fear if the earth moves or changes? How about if the mountains shake in the heart of the sea? Who is courageous enough to be at peace when waters roar and foam? Ask a fisherman what this means. Call them tornadoes or hurricanes! Katrina is still in our minds. If Peter and James were here, they would tell you that you are out of your mind to be at peace when waves rise, even with Jesus in the boat! In fact, only a confused person would tell me to be at peace when the earth changes or to sit when the water starts getting into the ship? The two movies, Titanic and Poseidon illustrate what I I am talking about. If you do not like history, the Tsunami, Katrina and Ike are the best examples!

Was the Psalmist aware of what would happen when the mountains shake in the heart of the sea? We all saw the waters coming from the sea and today we are told that the earthquake was felt across the planet. How on earth would the Psalmist invite us to say that God is our refuge and strength in such a situation? How on earth would Jesus tell people of New Orleans and other places affected by floods not to be afraid?

Until recently, the media controlled my analysis of the disaster and I joined thousands of people who blamed God for this. I asked the same questions the media asked, “Where was God in all this?” Little did I pay attention to all those who survived those mighty waters. I remembered that little girl, that little baby and that old lady. I remembered those who survived floating and holding onto trees. I also remembered those who helped others. I asked myself, how did all those young kids conquer the Tsunami? This is also true with many sad stories. The Rwanda genocide is another example. Despite being evil, Hotel Rwanda shows God at work. Of course, disasters can come but God is ever present with us. Only those who have eyes can see the ark surviving the floods. To me, this is the meaning of the story of calming the storms. Amidst the troubled waters and waves, the disciples called on Jesus for help. Amidst the Rwanda genocide, some people entered Hotel Rwanda. Amidst the floods of HIV/AIDS, many babies are saved. Amidst the flood of cancer, we have many survivors. To this we may all shout amen!! If we ask many of them how they survived those situations, their words will have much in common with the Psalmist, “Because our God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”