Treasure one another

By Joy Chaplain Joy Le page Smith, MA

As I write this, it is hurricane season. And if you bring up “Earthquakes Happening now” on your computer it will no doubt amaze you.  Spending a few minutes at that site is an eye-opener. Take, for instance, on June 21, 2025, I read, “During the past 24 hours, we have recorded 190 earthquakes around the world. Of course, reading more from the site shows our earth shows our earth is a pretty shaky place. During the past 24 hours, we have recorded 190 earthquakes worldwide. Still, “Devastating earthquakes greater than 8.0 in magnitude are infrequent and occur at a rate of about one earthquake per year. globally” (A quote from https://earthquakelist.org/.) At https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/ we find about 20,000 earthquakes around the globe each year, or approximately 55 per day. If this is correct, it means more earthquakes are occurring than usual at this time.

We have accomplished a lot as human beings. Look at all we have achieved and built—and rebuilt! Yet, we can’t change the fact that we live in a dangerous world. Earthquakes are only one of the things over which we have no control. Oceans are widening, continents are gradually, imperceptibly adrift.

The inner core of the earth is a ball of iron and nickel some 1,600 miles in diameter. Despite estimated temperatures in excess of 7,000 F the inner core is a solid mass because of the immense pressure exerted on it. So, pressure holds sway. God the Creator uses that pressure to the earth’s advantage.

Within every family uncertainties are facing us; we handle these daily pressures one by one. For the most part, we work through each happenstance as separate units. Yet, when nature is roiled by storms, earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis something different sweeps over us. There is a sense that we are all in this together. The earth itself creates a sense of unity . . . and God has us solidly in His hands.

There are many passages in the Holy Bible about earthquakes giving various reasons for them happening from the spiritual side of things. One that strikes me today is found in Nahum 1:5: “The mountains quake before Him, the hills melt, and the earth heaves at His presence, yes, the world and all who dwell in it.” All that happens on our earth is under God’s watchful eye. He has a place, a “future and a hope” as Jeremiah 26:11 states: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

We know more than ever that there is a vital connection amongst individuals. Not even Mother Nature can tear asunder God’s intention, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Jesus said, “The second is to love your neighbor as yourself.”  Many times, in life, I have needed God’s help in following this, the greatest of all commandments.

But, God treasures us and we are linked to the eternal. We feel the results of that as we treasure one another and are loving toward one another. Here is something that no storm can take down. No flood or tsunami can drown, and no earthquake can tear apart. Think about it: The only thing about this globe that is eternal is a human soul. Each who seeks truth and does what Holy Writ clearly shows as being what God expects warrants such an eternal gift.

If you are wondering, “How can I have eternal life?” here are some passages to explore. Talking with a pastor or a priest on this subject is an excellent idea. He or she can explain these passages further.

In John 14: 6, Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Revelations 3:20, Jesus tell of the process of gaining salvation, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

In Acts 4:12b, the writer assures us, ” . . . . for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (The author of Acts is traditionally attributed to Luke, a physician and a companion of the Apostle Paul.)

About the author: Joy Le page Smith, MA is a Board Certified Clinical Chaplain. Visit Healing-with-Joy.com for Joy’s blog along with many helpful articles addressing life’s difficulties. Also, see Healingwithjoy. blogspot.com Her books and blogs are read in up to 32 countries.