The Anchor That Holds

April 17

One of the indications of His soon return, a list of which Jesus gave when asked what would be the signs of the end of the world (see Matthew 24:3-15) is that there would be, “…earthquakes in divers places.”

Currently, there are about 20,000 earthquakes recorded yearly. It is anticipated that there will be 17 major quakes (7.0-7.9) and one great quake (8.0 or above) on the Richter Scale, annually. Though buildings in earthquake zones are constructed to specifications to minimize death and destruction, there is significant loss due to quakes each time one occurs.

Natural disasters pose serious threats to all parts of the world. Whether a tsunami, triggered by an earthquake in the depths of the sea, or a hurricane, or a blizzard, or an avalanche, the unleashed fury of nature places man in a helpless position. The most powerful men among us recognize our utter inability to prevent these onslaughts. The Bible addresses the unsettling reality of them and it also gives us an anchor to hold us fast when they occur.

In Psalm 16:8 David says, “I have set the Lord always before me…therefore, I will not be shaken.” In Psalm 125:1, the psalmist says, “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.” When the earth shakes or when nations rattle their swords, or when trouble comes to the person of faith, he may rest secure because Christ who loves him is the anchor that holds in the storm.