The last few weeks have brought terrible events in which large numbers of people have lost everything, some even dying.
On February 24th Russia invaded Ukraine, wreaking death and destruction right through the much smaller nation. Then on the 28th, much closer to home, floodwaters rolled through Lismore and many other towns on the NSW North Coast.
Both these events were, in some ways, expected. That doesn’t reduce the shock or the devastation of the destruction that takes place.
In both situations it has been inspiring to see the ways that ordinary people have moved to serve their neighbours in the midst of chaos.
We intuitively believe that our homes are places of safety, and that we are protected there. We derive a lot of security from the belief that our possessions will help us cope with anything life will throw at us.
What happens when it all gets taken from you by force or by nature? Where do you turn for your security then?
In Psalm 27, King David writes: “The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”
Our response to devastating situations shows where we put our trust.
God doesn’t promise to protect us from floods and fire, but He does promise to go with us through tough times, and give us peace in the middle of chaos.