Thursday, August 20, 2009

Finding a Firm Foundation and Building on the Rock

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) 24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Our daughter and I went to the beach today with some friends. It was a beautiful day. I stayed near the shore picking up rocks. There were so many shapes and colors. I wrote in the sand and watched the water come up and wash it away. I moved further up onto the beach, the water came in further and still wiped it away. I stood in the sand near the waters edge and felt the sand slip away beneath my feet. The waves were coming in approx. every 3 seconds. It was impossible to stand without the sand sucking my feet in as the tide went back out. Even if I dug my feet in a ways, I was almost falling over.

I began to think of the verses above (and the song that goes with it....flashback to Sunday School). The more I thought about it, the more the verses made sense. Sand is constantly shifting...with the wind and the waves. Rocks are sturdy and firm. Then I started to think about how this applied to life. What are we building our houses on? When the inevitable storms of life come, will the house stand or fall flat? How to build on the right foundation?

I still have a lot of building to do, but some general ideas in the right direction.

Starting the day with a quick thank you for this day and the blessings it holds. Taking some time for devotions and letting the Word help wash away the worries. Being available for unexpected interruptions that are God appointments. Building on the rock.

Praying that you avoid faulty foundations. Every moment is a chance to put another brick on the strong foundation that will help weather the storms of life.

“I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 (NIV)