When Mountains Shake
by Dean Gardner
Psalm 46 speaks of God as our refuge and strength, always present and ready to help us in times of trouble. In the second verse of that psalm, we read that because He is our refuge ‘we will not fear even if the mountains were to shake and slide into the sea’. The reference to mountains speaks to me of those aspects of our lives or the world we live in that can seem firm and stable, yet suddenly change and become fragile and uncertain. That could mean different things for each of us. For me, this year it’s been some unexpected health issues that have reminded me how unpredictable life can be.
The cry for permanence has been in the human heart since Adam and Eve had to leave the Garden of Eden, after they sinned. It’s a cry that can only be answered when we are reconciled to God through faith in Jesus and know Him as our anchor and rock of refuge.
In our verses today, Martha’s world had been shaken by the death of her brother Lazarus. It would have been enough for her just to see Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead there and then, but Lazarus would die again one day, as we all do. Jesus wanted her trust and faith to be in Him as her Messiah and Saviour, her sure foundation, not just for this present life, but as the One who would raise her to life on the last day.
Maybe some mountains are being shaken in your life at the moment. Here are some words of encouragement for you.
‘For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then, My faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you’ (Isaiah 54:10, NLT).
‘My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever’ (Psalm 73:26, NLT).
‘The eternal God is your refuge, and His everlasting arms are under you’ (Deuteronomy 33:27, NLT).
‘We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love’
(Priscilla J. Owens)
Dean Gardner worked part time in the Ellel Grange Ministry Office for four and a half years until October 2018 and is now part of the Associate teaching and ministry team. He now lives in Norfolk with his wife Gemma. In 1988 he experienced God`s amazing grace at a carol service and began a journey of restoration and healing with Jesus. He longs to continue that journey allowing God`s truth to change his own life but also to share that truth with others that they too might know Jesus for themselves.
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