STABILITY
JESUS SAID . . .
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise,
like a person who builds a house on solid rock” (Matthew 7:24).
During His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told a story (one of His parables) about two people who built houses: one on solid rock and one on the sand. The house built on bedrock weathered the storms, but the house built on sand collapsed. The spiritual meaning of the parable is about the fact that all of us are building our lives. When the storms of life come—difficulty, job loss, negative emotions—a proper foundation based upon faith in Jesus Christ and the truth of His Word provides us stability. However, those who build their lives on deception and lies will fall and suffer destruction. Real stability is found only in Jesus Christ.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
—Edward Mote (1797–1874)
GOD’S PROMISE ABOUT UNWAVERING STABILITY
Psalm 18:2 . . . The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield,
the power that saves me, and my place of safety.
Dear LORD, YOU ARE OUR SURE FOUNDATION.1
Thank You for providing us with self-assurance to endure the difficulties of life. Help us to cling to You as our solid rock, enlightened in knowing that our stability in life stands upon Your unchanging and faithful nature.2 Thank You for rescuing us from persecution and suffering.3 Let our confidence be grounded in Your promises4 and Your sacrificial work on the cross that secured our salvation.5 Enable us to keep looking to You and to remember that our suffering will last a little while in comparison with eternity,6 where there will be no suffering.7 Thank You that in fearful times, You are always ready to help, providing refuge, and inner peace.8 Awaken us to the Holy Spirit’s presence, which enables us to trust in You.9 Motivate us to read the Bible that helps to keep us built up in the faith.10 Thank You for keeping us grounded with secure footing when we draw close to You.11 Amen.
1Is. 33:6; 2Dt. 32:4; 32 Tm. 3:10–11; 42 Pt. 1:4; 5Heb. 7:27; 61 Pt. 5:10; 7Rv. 21:4;
8Ps. 46:1–2; 9Rom. 8:16; 10Col. 2:7 and Rom. 10:17; 112 Pt. 3:17–18