On August 21st, 2018, my home country of Trinidad and Tobago was struck by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the late afternoon. The news reported that Venezuela endured a 7.3 magnitude of the same quake; with the epicenter being on their coast. Immediately, a flood of messages and videos filled social media of persons running, screaming and surveying while the one-minute disaster occurred. Some enjoyed it, some waited calmly for it to subside, others hunted to get information as soon as they could and many were fearful and panicked – thankfully, no lives were lost. However, the underlying sentiment remained that of anxiety. This made me curious and begged the question, ‘why are you afraid?’
The Answer – because their trust and salvation is not in the Lord.
As was declared in Psalms 27:1, “The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear.” Regardless of the disaster, those who have faith in the Lord are better off than those who are unsure of their destiny. To be sure of one’s destiny, trust in God through Jesus Christ is an absolute must. As Jesus clearly pointed to his disciples when they awoke him from sleep during a tumultuous storm; he asked, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” – Matthew 8:26. It was a question that needed no answer, for he was declaring to them and us that once he (Jesus) is with them, they need not be fearful – no matter the situation or disaster. The same applies to all of us.
There is no reason to be afraid, shaken or fearful once you put your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus. Disasters will not rattle you when you truly walk with him, he will not forsake you but be with you until the end. Selah.