My eldest visited us for a few days last week. He casually mentioned in conversation that he’d experienced his first earthquake! In Potchefstroom! Being the mother that I am, I naturally jumped to the extreme conclusion and had visions of massive damage. He quickly assured me that it only measured 3.5 on the scale. But, it was big enough to make my extremely unobservant son stop, look around and ask, “What was that?”
I then did some Googling, and apparently Potchefstroom has actually experienced 10 earthquakes in the last 365 days. Okay, they are all very low on the scale and, Potchefstroom is on the outer edges of where they occur. But still, earthquakes!
On top of this, what about the weather we have had over the last week, particularly last weekend? Flooding in Uitenhage (or Kariega if you prefer), strong winds, rocks washed up onto the N2 from our heavy seas, tornadoes in KZN. Since when do have tornadoes?
People have lost their homes and possessions. There have been appeals for warm clothes, bedding and food to the areas affected.
We’ve had a week of weather. And, it’s been bad enough that my Google Maps navigation has been warning me that my ‘route may be affected by flooding in the South Eastern Cape”!
I’m not sure about you, but I’ve checked my weather apps more often than usual in the last week, just hoping to see some sunny skies forecast.
Life sometimes feels a little like the weather we’ve had recently. We feel pummelled from every side. And, just when we think we’re managing to ride out the current wave of events, a tornado hits. The last few weeks have felt like that for me, perhaps you’ve felt the same.
The Psalm that always comes to mind in these moments is Psalm 46, one of my favourites.
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
10 He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’
11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
We can take comfort that even when it feels as if the earth is giving way beneath our feet, or we’re being overwhelmed by the waves crashing around us… God is always there. He is steadfast and unshakeable.
And so, if you have been feeling that life has been a little rough lately, take comfort with me. Let us find those moments in the chaos to be still, to focus on God, to remember that He’s right there with us. Let us lean on Him and hold onto His strength. He will bring us through this rough weather.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
With love
Your friend and rector,
Claire