35W Bridge Collapse and What to do When the Unshakeable Shakes

Yesterday, my home state of Minnesota, remembered the collapse of Bridge 9340 better known as 35W. Five years ago at 6:05pm CST on Wednesday,   August 1 the eight lane bridge suddenly gave way. Approximately 100 vehicles plunged 115 feet down to the river or on its banks killing 13 people and injuring 145.

Survivors and witnesses of the collapse recall the day the fifth busiest bridge in the state failed and fell. Many could not believe what they saw happened really happened. Mighty structures that seem unshakeable do not collapse and crumble. Similar words are expressed about 9/11. Planes do not fly into skyscrapers causing them to burn and collapse. People who experience earthquakes talk about the alarming feeling of having everything that was solid and stable now shaking and swaying.

You have likely lived through emotional shakings where the world around you became unsure and unsafe. An accident, a terminal diagnosis, or a tragedy shakes our world and nothing seems dependable anymore. The morning comes and your first hope is that it was just a terrible dream. Then a heavy realization hits you and sickens you with the truth that it is not a dream, but real life.

What can you do when your world shakes and nothing seems unshakeable anymore?

• Wait before God – when you want to panic.
  

• Hope in God – when everything else can be shaken.

• Trust in God - for protection and victory.

• Pour your heart to God – let Him know your fears and hurt.

Psalm 62:5-8 (NLT)
5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
    for my hope is in Him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
    He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in Him at all times.
    Pour out your heart to Him,
    for God is our refuge.

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