Is nature going nuts?

This past week there were major earthquakes in Chile, Japan, and Argentina. There have been major devastating mudslides in California and Uganda. We have just come through a series of record-breaking snowstorms in myriad places around the world. Tsunamis have become an increasingly worrisome thing. What in the world is happening, or perhaps what is happening in the world?

Matthew 24:3-8

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

I have seen forum discussions recently turning to the question of what these things mean. Why have there been so many natural disaster recently? Is it evidence of man-made global warming, as Al Gore proclaims. Is it the beginning of the end of all things? Is God angry and sending these disasters as punishments? I have seen all of these points of view (and many others) argued recently in regards to the seemingly crazy weather patterns and extreme storms.

Here in Washington, DC, we have an average snowfall accumulation of 16 inches. This year we have had more than 70 inches so far. So after riding in to work through yet another snowstorm this morning, I read the following:

Psalm 46:1-11

1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3. though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Selah

4. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
5. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
6. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

8. Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
10. “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 of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

God is in control, even when things seem to be going crazy. And God controls all things—not just nature. We needn’t be concerned.

Be still, and know that I am God.