Giving thanks in troubled times

I read again the accounts of the great New Madrid earthquake. The earth shook violently. Cracks opened in the ground. Bottomless holes formed. The Mississippi River ran north instead of south. People filled the churches; for they truly believed that the world was coming to an end.

Today, our world is being shaken by violent forces beyond our control. Forces formed of hatred, bitterness and revenge. Forces of terrorism and war. Forces formed by our selfishness, our greed and our immorality. These are forces seemingly beyond our finite control. Seemingly solid foundations shift beneath our feet. Old ties and loyalties lie broken on the ground.

Yesterday's values have been tossed aside. Our world is coming apart at the seams. Life no longer makes any sense. We are all looking for some firm foundation upon which to build our lives. We are all searching frantically for something or someone to anchor our hopes and dreams. We are all desparately trying to make sense out of this crazy, mixed-up reality we call life. Where will we turn? What shall we do to survive? In these troubled times, we can turn to God as that one unshakable rock, that solid anchor that will keep life steady and will keep us safe.

In these troubled times, we can give thanks to God for those things in life which cannot be shaken:

God's rule. "This is my Father's world! O let me not forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet!"

God's love. "God is love; His mercy brightens all the path in which we rove. Bliss he wakes and woe he lightens; God is wisdom. God is love."

God's grace. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see! Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. 'Tis grace has brought me safely through; and grace will lead me home!"

God's faithfulness. "Unto the hills I lift mine eyes; From whence shall come my aid? My help shall come from God alone, who heaven and earth hath made."

God's continued presence. "I'll praise my maker while I've breath. And when my voice is lost in death, praise shall employ my noblest powers. My days of praise shall ne'er be past as long as life and thought and being last, or immortality endures!"

In these troubled times when our world is being shaken by powerful forces beyond our control, let us lift up our voices in praise and thanksgiving to God for those things in life which can never be shaken!

The Rev. Dr. Don Kuehle is a United Methodist minister who lives in Jackson.