Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

This Psalm was evidently written shortly after an earthquake. Natural disasters are called “acts of God” for the simple reason that man couldn’t do them, and they certainly get people’s attention. Nowadays, underground nuclear tests register on seismographs like earthquakes, but they are pretty weak imitations of the real thing. The verse ahead of this talks about God making wars cease, because it’s pretty hard to carry on a military campaign in an earthquake! In Japanese, (and the Japanese know a thing or two about earthquakes) this verse starts with, “Cut it out!” There are lots of things people do that are not pleasing to God, as He has let me know personally, and sometimes He uses drastic methods to get us to stop. I’m reminded of the recent floods in Texas, where racial divisions were completely forgotten as people struggled for their own lives and the lives of their neighbors. Natural disasters can really rearrange our priorities, and that can be a very good thing indeed. God never allows anything, even things we call disasters, that can’t be used for blessing.

I’ve never been in a disastrous situation myself, for which I’m very grateful, but living most of my life in Japan, I’ve certainly been close to quite a few. The closest it came to being disastrous for us personally was in a typhoon about 25 years ago which tore the storm shutters off of our windows, giving us a clear view down on the neighbor’s roof to see heavy roof tiles floating away like they were feathers. God’s hand of protection was on us, and whereas our car was surrounded by broken roof tiles, it didn’t have a scratch on it. We have also been dusted with ash from a volcanic eruption. I’m not to think all of that makes us better than others, but rather remember that we all exist only by the grace of God, and strive to help others understand that as well. When disasters hit, the Biblically accurate response is not, “Why me?” but rather, “Why not me?” (Luke 13:1-5) I am to proclaim the grace of God, but always in the context of His holiness and omnipotence.

Father, help me never take Your grace for granted. Thank You for Your protection over the years. I can think of many times that could have turned out very differently! Help me indeed cut out anything that is not pleasing to You, and focus on living in harmonious fellowship with You by Your Spirit, to lead as many people as possible to join me in Your eternal salvation, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!