Shaken, But Not Moved
The other day, I was reminded of a time when I was working with a co-worker on a scissors lift. As we worked, they began talking about some on-the-job training they never expected to receive. As the lift rose higher and higher, they became noticeably uneasy about the height.
When we finally reached the level we needed, I deliberately shook the platform back and forth. Immediately startled, they grabbed the side rails and shouted, “Stop! Stop!”
With a mischievous smile, I replied, “Now you know the limits of the platform's movement, and we're not going to tip over. We're on level ground with a solid foundation.”
As I walked away from that conversation, I began thinking about how often fear enters our lives because of the things happening around us. Scripture is filled with examples of shaking. The earth quaked when Jesus died on the cross. The prison shook when Paul and Silas worshiped. Even creation itself came into existence through the power of God.
Yet when our lives are shaken by heartache, uncertainty, or struggle, we often ask the wrong questions. We wonder if God still loves us. We blame people or circumstances, hoping it will make us feel better, but it never does. Instead, fear grows stronger. Our hearts begin to lose confidence in God as our foundation, and our minds spin fear into chaos. We waste precious thoughts expecting the worst instead of finding the peace that allows God's wisdom and grace to guide us.
These white-knuckled experiences often create panic rather than a pursuit of joy.
The writer of Hebrews gives us a different perspective on the shaking:
“And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.’ And this expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, in order that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:26-29
Notice the purpose of the shaking. It is not destruction for destruction's sake. God removes what is temporary so that what is eternal remains. He allows things to be shaken so we can discover what is truly secure.
When I was working on that platform, I wasn't afraid because I understood that some movement was normal. The platform would sway. Adjustments would be necessary. But the foundation beneath it was solid.
The same is true in our walk with Christ. When we know that Jesus is our foundation, we can endure the shaking that life brings because our faith reminds us that it is temporary. Even difficult seasons teach us to rely more fully on God.
I love how the psalmist expresses this truth:
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22
As I reflect on Hebrews, one lesson stands above the rest: the voice of God is still shaking things out of me.
His voice tells me I am loved, shaking away self-doubt.
His voice protects me from choices that would harm my soul.
His voice gives wisdom, patience, and integrity.
His voice speaks comfort in uncertainty, care in pain, and joy in the middle of struggle.
His voice heals me when I am broken, lifts me when I stumble, and stands beside me when I am weak.
The voice of God continues to shake the world out of me. It shakes away fear, falsehood, pride, and everything that attempts to take His place.
Because of all that God accomplishes through the shaking, I understand why Hebrews emphasizes gratitude. Praise, joy, testimony, and service all become evidence that God's voice is still speaking. The world around me may shake, but I am not moved because my life is built upon a foundation that cannot be shaken.
Praise the Lord.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Dan
When we finally reached the level we needed, I deliberately shook the platform back and forth. Immediately startled, they grabbed the side rails and shouted, “Stop! Stop!”
With a mischievous smile, I replied, “Now you know the limits of the platform's movement, and we're not going to tip over. We're on level ground with a solid foundation.”
As I walked away from that conversation, I began thinking about how often fear enters our lives because of the things happening around us. Scripture is filled with examples of shaking. The earth quaked when Jesus died on the cross. The prison shook when Paul and Silas worshiped. Even creation itself came into existence through the power of God.
Yet when our lives are shaken by heartache, uncertainty, or struggle, we often ask the wrong questions. We wonder if God still loves us. We blame people or circumstances, hoping it will make us feel better, but it never does. Instead, fear grows stronger. Our hearts begin to lose confidence in God as our foundation, and our minds spin fear into chaos. We waste precious thoughts expecting the worst instead of finding the peace that allows God's wisdom and grace to guide us.
These white-knuckled experiences often create panic rather than a pursuit of joy.
The writer of Hebrews gives us a different perspective on the shaking:
“And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.’ And this expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, in order that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:26-29
Notice the purpose of the shaking. It is not destruction for destruction's sake. God removes what is temporary so that what is eternal remains. He allows things to be shaken so we can discover what is truly secure.
When I was working on that platform, I wasn't afraid because I understood that some movement was normal. The platform would sway. Adjustments would be necessary. But the foundation beneath it was solid.
The same is true in our walk with Christ. When we know that Jesus is our foundation, we can endure the shaking that life brings because our faith reminds us that it is temporary. Even difficult seasons teach us to rely more fully on God.
I love how the psalmist expresses this truth:
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22
As I reflect on Hebrews, one lesson stands above the rest: the voice of God is still shaking things out of me.
His voice tells me I am loved, shaking away self-doubt.
His voice protects me from choices that would harm my soul.
His voice gives wisdom, patience, and integrity.
His voice speaks comfort in uncertainty, care in pain, and joy in the middle of struggle.
His voice heals me when I am broken, lifts me when I stumble, and stands beside me when I am weak.
The voice of God continues to shake the world out of me. It shakes away fear, falsehood, pride, and everything that attempts to take His place.
Because of all that God accomplishes through the shaking, I understand why Hebrews emphasizes gratitude. Praise, joy, testimony, and service all become evidence that God's voice is still speaking. The world around me may shake, but I am not moved because my life is built upon a foundation that cannot be shaken.
Praise the Lord.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Dan
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