Why was it, sea, that you fled? Jordan, that you turned back? … Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the flint into a spring (Psalms 114:5-8)
The Psalmist is referring to the parting of the Red Sea, and the stopping of the Jordan River that occurred while Israel was traveling from Egypt to the Promised Land. He asks why those amazing events happened. It wasn’t because of anything Israel did. It was only because of the presence of the Lord. His power is unparalleled, and that’s why everyone on earth is called to tremble in fear before him.
But not for long. The author also remembers how God’s power made provision for his people by bringing water from a rock. Israel’s greatest problem during that time in the desert was that they were dying of thirst. What’s your greatest problem right now? Finding a new job or a new house? Resolving some deep-seated conflict in your family? Overcoming anxiety or depression? God’s mighty power can bring thirst-quenching water out of dry dusty rocks. So don’t run away from God’s power in fear. Run toward his power in awe, and see how he uses his power to provide for all your needs.