Beloved, our word today, is shock and is defined as a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience. In our verse, a word similar to shock is astonishment. Shock is in the Bible three times. Sometimes a shocking event can lead to a crisis of faith. Other times a shocking event makes us take an inventory, forcing us to change or set boundaries.
Another example
We read in Deuteronomy one of the verses on shock.
Where can we go up? Our brethren have made our hearts melt, saying, “The people are bigger and taller than we; the cities are large and fortified to heaven. And besides, we saw the sons of the Anakim there.”’ 29 Then I said to you, ‘Do not be shocked, nor fear them. 30 The Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, [a]just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, Deuteronomy 1:28-30.
Here the Israelites were forced to trust God.
Often, we try to humanize God. Beloved, God is Spirit.
We read in Isaiah,
“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts,
The [a]whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3
King David lived a life that included trusting God. Saul chased him and threatened his life. He often ran for his life. He had to hide in caves. But God protected King David.
Daily at the hospital, I see people cope with illness—the shock of seeing a sick loved one. My role as a case manager is to help with discharge planning, but silently and often publically, I pray.
King David Prayer
We read in Psalm 65: 4
How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You
To dwell in Your courts.
We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Your holy temple. The scripture proclaims the goodness of God.
Father God, create in me a clean heart, search me, and know if there is any anxiety or worry. Thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Lord, satisfy me with the goodness of grace and mercy. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
When was the last time you were shocked, and how did you handle it?
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