About 4 years ago, we had an earthquake in my area of Virginia. When the ground begins to shake you understand uncertainty in a whole new way!

Life is uncertain – to put it mildly. Especially these days. The stock market is up and down like a rollercoaster – can’t be certain about that! Politicians lie with ease – can’t trust them. People going about their normal day are shot randomly by terrorists – don’t feel safe. Governments are teetering on the brink of disaster – can’t depend on them. Family members die unexpectedly. We are being told by some to stock up on water and canned goods for the soon-coming disaster. Life is uncertain. Otherwise we wouldn’t need insurance!

We try to insure against uncertainty so we will feel more secure. But there really is no insurance for life. Yes. We can buy “life insurance” but it only pays out if you die! So maybe it is misnamed – call it “death insurance”. But there is nothing that can protect us from death itself. God says “It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment.” We will all die. The mortality rate for each generation is 100%.

So what are we to do? We look for a rock, a shelter, a stronghold. We look for safety in something or someone. But we find nothing is guaranteed. The Psalmist calls God his “rock”, “shelter”, “stronghold”. He learned it from his life experience. David knew betrayal, assassination attempts, he fled for this life more than once, was attacked by a lion. He was  cursed by others and slandered. He felt loneliness, hunger, thirst. He slept in caves. He was in battle many times. He faced down a giant. David knew all about uncertainty.

And what did He say? “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Ps. 46:1) “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” (Ps.33:20) “In the shelter of your presence you hide them from intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.” (Ps. 31:20) “The is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” (Ps. 145:13-14)

Now, you go through the Psalms and find your own verses! (Start with Psalm 23.) It will be such faith building exercise!