What Makes You Tremble?

“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165 NIV

This past weekend on Saturday July 13, 2024, the core of the United States was shaken and most of the world with it as it witnessed an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally. The former President escaped with minor injuries, but a man in the crowd was killed and two others were seriously wounded from gunshots fired into the crowd. It was a moment that made one tremble at hearing the news. As the events unfolded that evening and through the weekend there developed a realization of what was speculated may happen, did happen. There is now an unsettling anticipation for the days ahead. People are looking for relief from the trembling they feel, calling for all to tamp down the temperature of political rhetoric. The feeling of trembling by most Americans is understandable and should not be ignored. But there is a great equalizer when we shift our trembling away from the things of a fallen world to the eternal God and His Word.

What most Americans felt this past weekend was true legitimate fear and anxiety. The 119^th Psalm speaks of another true legitimate fear but without the anxiety that makes our hearts tremble, and that is the Word of God. “Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.” (Ps.119:161 niv) The psalmist trembles, fears, dreads, and is in awe, of God’s Word. He does not fear as when government rulers persecute him for their power is no match for God and His Word. He trembles and is awe of the power of the Scriptures and the promises it holds for all who believe in God. “I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.” (Ps.119:162 niv)

People in the United States will experience uncharted territories the next few months. There may be more times of trembling here in America along with the current unrest in the world. But hear what the psalmist says and be encouraged, “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” (Ps.119:165 niv) We may tremble at the evil in the world, but we can stand firm in great peace, not stumbling as we shift our trembling to the Lord and His Word.

Read: Psalm 119:161-168 NIV – ש Sin and Shin Rulers persecute me – Bible Gateway