“Finding Unshakeable Rest” (Pick a Card Series)
August 31, 2023
Hurricane season is in full force today on the east coast of the United States. Tropical storm Idalia, after making landfall as a powerful Category 3 storm in Florida, continues to barrel through Georgia and the Carolinas. She certainly knows how to shake things up as she spurns flooding and tornadoes on her way to eventually moving offshore later on August 31, 2023.
While hurricanes do not directly cause people to shake, their fierce winds, heavy rains, and storm surges can lead to shaking or trembling feelings among individuals. As natural disasters, hurricanes can be extremely frightening and stressful. The anticipation of potential harm or destruction can trigger an adrenaline response in the body, leading to trembling or shaking. Even the physically demanding tasks of boarding up windows, moving furniture, or evacuating can cause muscle fatigue which also leads to trembling.
In the midst of various kinds of storms, hurricanes or otherwise, we may find ourselves yearning for stability and security. We long for a refuge that will withstand the storms of uncertainty and grant us lasting peace. In Psalm 16:8, the psalmist shares with us a powerful declaration of trust and confidence in God.
I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
The psalmist begins by directing our attention to a life-defining posture – to keep our eyes always on the Lord. In a world filled with distractions and anxieties, this invitation calls us to fix our gaze on the One who holds our future and knows our deepest desires. By intentionally focusing our eyes on God, we align our hearts with His purpose, finding solace and strength in His unchanging presence.
Next, the psalmist reminds us of the promise that comes with keeping our eyes on the Lord – having Him at our right hand. This imagery symbolizes a place of honor and protection. When we abide in God’s presence, we can rest assured that His loving guidance and mighty hand will shield us from every potential source of turmoil. With God as our steadfast companion, we need not fear the trials that attempt to shake our foundations.
How do we apply this powerful verse in our lives today? We must first recognize that keeping our eyes on the Lord is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment. The world will attempt to distract us, causing our eyes to wander away from our true source of rest. However, by intentionally immersing ourselves in prayer, meditation, and studying His Word, we deepen our connection with God and allow His presence to anchor our souls.
Let us also remember that being at the right hand of God implies that we walk in His ways and align our actions with His perfect will. By living lives marked by love, compassion, and integrity, we affirm our trust in Him, ultimately displaying His divine character to a world that desperately longs for stability.
Psalm 16:8 serves as a beautiful reminder that true rest and security are found in God alone. As we fix our eyes on Him, and not on the hurricane radar, choosing to trust His unwavering love and protection, we are shielded from the storms that seek to rob us of our peace. May our hearts be transformed through this powerful verse, leading us to a life marked by unshakable rest as we journey with our ever-present and faithful God.