It’s been quite a week. 

Hearing the word “Japan” will never be the same for us.  Instead of images of the bright neon lights of Tokyo and memories of Olympic games, we’ll immediately remember the images of that massive black wave bearing down on cities and roads and bridges and fields…and people.

There’s talk of worldwide radiation threats and more earthquakes to come.  There’s talk of this as a sign of the coming end of the world.  There’s talk of death, destruction and disease.

There is fear.

But there doesn’t need to be.  No matter how tragic, how devastating and how horrific things appear to be, God has never left His place on the throne.  He is still in control.

And that’s why He gave us such extreme examples of situations where fear is overcome.  When mountains fall into the sea (Ps. 46:2-3).  When the valley of the shadow of death looms large (Ps 23:4).  When the storm prevails and our little boats are covered with huge, angry waves (Matthew 8:24-26).

God is our refuge, our strength and our fortress.  And because of that, we can be…fearless.

Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;  Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah  Psalm 46:2-3

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:24-26

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.          Psalm 18:2