God's Unshakable Love, Peace, and Compassion

" 'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you" (Isaiah 54:10).

In January of 2010, Haiti suffered a severe earthquake. Two of our church members were there, and thanks be to God, were kept safe. As I learned more about the total devastation and repercussions of this tragedy, I thought of this verse and its significance to those of us with chronic health problems.

Although I have not experienced a geological earthquake, there have been times when my life has been greatly shaken due to health problems. A new pain or questionable test result is a source of great concern. Loss of yet another ability is devastating. Sometimes it appears as though our world is literally falling down around us, and we may be tempted to give up all hope.

God’s Word says that even when we experience these “earthquakes” in our lives, He is still there for us. Nothing we are experiencing in our earthly bodies can remove His peace or love. God takes His covenants very seriously – seriously enough to have shed Jesus’ blood as a sign for us. We not only have His peace but His compassion as well. With each pain we experience – each tear we cry – God is pouring out His comfort and compassion in some way, though we may be unaware of it at the time. God’s compassion for us is greater than what we offer even to our own children (Psalm 103:13).

When we face these upheavals in our lives, we can know that regardless of how earth-shattering they may seem, God’s love, peace, and compassion will be there surrounding us. “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall in to the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:2). We have His Word on it – literally.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that Your mercy, compassion, peace, and love never fail. Give us the faith to believe the truth of Your Word at all times. Before we call, You answer; while we are still speaking, You will hear (Isaiah 65:24). Amen.