There is a place in Acadia National Park, in Maine, where you can see the ocean’s strength displayed, see the forces that batter and smash. It is called Thunder Hole, and is so dramatic that visitors to the park flock dutifully to stand a moment and watch. Dark water, surging into a hidden cave, collides with a pocket of air, creating a roar like thunder, splashing as high as 40 feet into the air. We visited Acadia, paused there and watched the waves crash angrily against the rock.

Who is mightier than the thunder of the sea?

Who is mightier than the raging nations?

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble at its swelling…

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Like little birds in a lighthouse nest, we remain safe on our perch. From this lofty vantage point we lean out and look around. Yep, there’s the ocean, roaring and foaming down below. It may surge and spray all it likes, this fortress is standing firm. From up here, you can see just how small you are, just how big God is. You can feel His strength as you lean into Him. You can feel, right there in the middle of all the crumbling world, His peace. If you don’t take shelter in God’s high tower, you’ll be dashed to bits by the pounding waves. The world, as described in Psalm 46, is on the brink of disaster. The nations rage, the earth shakes. All around us we see the folly of humankind wreaking devastation. This would be terrifying if not for the knowledge that God is sovereign. He has not yet unleashed his wrath on the world (patience?), but when He does, His people will be safe in His care. He is our refuge. But you can only grab hold of this peace if you pause to rest, to reflect.