Social media have brought more information to our electronic devices than ever before.

These media give us instant news with live interviews of people experiencing situations in their lives.

Some of this has been a blessing to people in need. Rescuers bringing assistance to people in times of a crisis like the fires we have experienced over the past four years and can receive calls, texts, emails and messages from people who need help.

First responders can pinpoint where these people are and where the nearest rescue team is to bring help and assistance.

But social media have, for many, raised the level of fear and uncertainty about their safety and even future.

Church and school shootings, terrorist acts, and threatening Facebook postings are just a few things that have robbed many of any sense of security or peace.

Instead of the world moving closer and closer to peace and love, the world is moving closer and closer to destruction. Hatred and division are on the rise while love and peace seem to be losing.

Where does a person go for peace and security in an uncertain world like ours? Hiding will not help. We are all brought face to face with the reality of insecurity.

In 2 Samuel 15ff, you might remember that Absalom would rise up early in the morning and stand by the city gate engaging people and telling them how their lives would be better if he were king.

The Bible tells us that Absalom “stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” After doing this for four years he gathered his supporters at Hebron and declared himself king.

When this news came to King David, he had to flee Jerusalem quickly, and if it weren’t for God’s spirit moving Absalom to believe bad advice and thereby not immediately pursuing King David, David might not have survived this attack. Certainly, David was in a very precarious situation.

Whatever situation David was in when he writes Psalm 62, he shares with us his strong response to threat and uncertainty. This Psalm proclaims David’s strong faith, and it proclaims where we find rest and peace when we are confronted with the threats and uncertainties in our world. Rest and peace are found in God alone. He is the rock, fortress and salvation we need.

You may have heard about Melissa Falkowski, a journalism and English teacher at Parkland High School in Florida, who hid 19 students in her classroom closet when she learned there was an active shooter at the school. This heroic woman is a reflection of God who hides us in the shadow of His wings as evil rages (Psalm 57:1).

What other eternal refuge can there be than the God who sent His Only Son to defend us and give His life for us.

What did Jesus do? He was like Assistant coach Aaron Feis at Parkland who stepped in front of students to protect them from the assault. Aaron Feis gave his life for his students. On the cross, Jesus took what would crush us and died in our place.

The only place we can find lasting rest in this turbulent world is in the One who conquered death and gives us all life. Through the living Word, we receive rest.

Through the presence of Jesus in Holy Communion, we are hidden in Jesus’ grace, strength and forgiveness. This world will rage. It may even injure you physically and emotionally. But Jesus, who is Lord over all, is our rock of protection and our salvation.

Please join us this Sunday, Oct. 7, at 11 a.m., to hear more about the “Rest We Share.” Worship is followed by a hot lunch.

All are welcome, so come as you are!

Chris DelCol is pastor of First Lutheran Church in Lucerne, Calif. The church is located at 3863 Country Club Drive, telephone 707-274-5572. Email Pastor Chris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..