The world is shaking. You have probably noticed that. The headlines regularly announce convulsions in government, economics, culture, worldviews, and so much more. Fear of the future is rampant, and controversies about how to control it or manage it—or even survive it—seem never-ending. People are searching for solid footing and finding that almost everything moves.

This is nothing new, of course. The world has always been shaking. Entire civilizations have come and gone; modes of thinking are constantly evolving; styles and trends are fleeting; and all our attempts at security have proven remarkably insecure. But even with a solid perspective on history’s patterns, we can sense the tremors accelerating and growing more intense. We don’t want to panic, as so many have done in the past, but we also don’t want to be unprepared. We have to be able to face the future without fear.

Do not be surprised or dismayed. The shaking is normal. It’s the contrast between a transitory material world and an absolute spiritual realm. In this clash of these two kingdoms, so prominent in the themes and reflections of Lent, one is always passing away while the other is always birthing something new. The old can be shattered, but the new can’t. That’s the way it always has been and always will be until Jesus comes.

God has a purpose in the shaking. It serves to establish his Kingdom in this world. False hopes and securities fall by the wayside as their foundations crumble; only truth remains constant. As hearts go searching for something imperishable, many are drawn to him. He mercifully disrupts humanity’s misguided purposes and attachments in order for multitudes to discover their true ones.

You have everything you need to remain unshakable. Jesus assured his followers of that when he urged them to build their lives on his teaching as if they were building a house on solid rock (Matthew 7:24-27). Storms will come and the earth may be shaken, but the rock of absolute truth never moves. In this season of reflecting on the contrasts between the material world and the spiritual world, let the Kingdom of God take center stage. Anchor yourself fully in the eternal realm of the spirit, and no amount of shaking will be able to move you.

Related Scripture

For this is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land. I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!
Haggai 2:6-9

This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land.
Haggai 2:6

Prayer

Lord, my heart is at rest in you because I have chosen to build my life on the truth of your Word and the certainty of your grace. Thank you that my security does not depend on my faithfulness but on yours. Anchor me always in your love. Amen.