“We give thanks to you, O God;
we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.
At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.
When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
it is I who keep steady its pillars.
I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with haughty neck.’”
For not from the east or from the west
and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
but it is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.
For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup…
and all the wicked of the earth
shall drain it down to the dregs.” Psalm 75:1-8
“By him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together... He is… in everything… preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:16-20
The Scriptures give a wide and complete view of Christ and what He came to earth to do. The wondrous, praise-worthy deeds of the Old Testament testify to the wondrous life-giving deeds of the New Testament. The Savior promised became the Savior present. Jesus who was before all things became the Reconciler of all things, some now, some yet to be. He structures and steadies the pillars of the earth. (1 Samuel 2:8)
When the earth shakes with unrest, man attacking man, nation pursuing nation, natural disasters sweeping pain and panic, God reigns and is immovable. When justice totters with confusion, opposing testimonies, emotional or prejudicial opinions, the righteous Judge pledges to one day make all things right. When relational turmoil or financial instability ignites fear and unsettles the soul, the Prince of Peace indwelling our hearts soothes with otherworldly peace. The God who was still is, and His name is near. (Proverbs 18:10; John 16:33)
What currently rocks our world? Heartbreak? A terrifying prognosis? Has spiritual fervor or even our faith tottered? Cling to Jesus, the Sovereign Redeemer in whom is the fullness of God. In Him all will be well.
“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” ~R. Keen (1787)
Lord, when all around me totters, fix me on You, my Rock and Redeemer.
