Chaos

Today's news from Libya and New Zealand, while so very different, shows two communities in chaos.
The powerful destruction from the earthquake in Christchurch has exacted a terrible price, and the death toll will rise. Some from St. Andrew's know family and friends living and suffering in that area.
Few of us know any Libyan people, but the collapse of Gaddafi's regime looks imminent, and some are paying a terrible price. Most of us can barely imagine what such situations are like.
My reaction is to look back to the witness of the Psalmist again, and see how faith in God is expressed.
'God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!' (Psalm 46.1-3)
Reflecting on the rise and fall of nations, we read,
'The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!
   God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
      the God of Israel is our fortress.' (Psalm 46.6-7)
And God's last word brings a change of perspective.
'“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation.
      I will be honoured throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.' (Psalm 46.10-11)
There is nothing I can do to affect the situations in Libya or Christchurch, New Zealand - apart from pray for God's good purposes to be worked out from within the chaos and destruction. May God have mercy on those places.
Best wishes,
Richard