How can we rest in God’s power when our world seems out of control? We must never forget that the Creator can still handle His creation.
Look at how King David described it:
5Â You answer us in righteousness,
Psalm 65:5-8
with awe-inspiring works,
God of our salvation,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the distant seas.
6Â You establish the mountains by your power;
you are robed with strength.
7Â You silence the roar of the seas,
the roar of their waves,
and the tumult of the nations.
8Â Those who live far away are awed by your signs;
you make east and west shout for joy.
David reminds us that if God created this world, He still knows how to care for those in it. No one else could establish the mountains. That feat arrays His presence with unmatched strength. It is difficult, if not impossible, to climb some of the mountains God created with simply His words.
Not only did God create the mountains, but He also made the seas. We cannot create them, and neither can we tame them. But when God speaks, the waves remember that voice. The One who caused them to be can still still them when He so desires. Jesus proved Himself to be the voice of creation when He silenced the waves that endangered the disciples (Mark 4:41). The ears of the water perked up, and the waves died down as soon as they heard His voice.
While we often view water as creating attractive vacation destinations, the people of the Old Testament did not feel that way. The seas were where people drifted out but were never guaranteed to come back. The tempests had claimed the lives of many and kept people fearful of the chaotic element of the waters.
David compared the nations to that type of havoc. Who can stop national powers so intimidating that they consume people like the waters? God can! That’s who.
Just like God can silence the waters, He can silence the nonsensical rebellion of any nation on earth.
When your fear increases because of the instability of your government or another, take heart. Our God can silence their threats, and He will one day. That should cause us to be grateful.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.