A Firm Foundation: Part One

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” - Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)

Have you ever been overcome by fear and anxiety? Perhaps the stresses of life have left you feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. Everything in the news suggests that many around the world are experiencing those same feelings right now. As I am writing today, Russia and Ukraine are at war, tensions in the Middle East are building as Iran nears the completion of a nuclear missile, China is poised to invade the nation of Taiwan, and the possibility of nuclear war looms on the horizon. Meanwhile, inflation is the highest it’s been in decades, gas and food prices continue to rise, supply chain issues are worsening, crime rates are spiking in major cities around the country, world leaders are warning against the dangers of climate change, and people everywhere are still dealing with the economic and social unrest caused by the Covid-19 pandemic - and these are just the recent news headlines! A recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that “global uncertainty” is a significant source of stress in 81% of U.S. adults. They also report that 87% of U.S. adults feel that there has been a constant stream of crises without a break over the last two years, and 73% confirm that the number of crises in the world feels overwhelming. To top everything off, the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information reports that the U.S. experienced more billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in the last two years than ever before. Our world is in a storm (both literally and figuratively) - a storm that shows no signs of abating any time soon.

Thankfully, there is hope! Despite the chaos in the world right now and no matter the personal struggles we face on a daily basis, we can always rely on the faithfulness of God. Throughout Scripture, God encourages us again and again: Do not be afraid.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

“For God gave us a Spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling…The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; He utters His voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” - Psalm 46:1-3, 6-7 (ESV)

If we can learn anything from the Bible, it’s that our God is a big God! He is bigger than our financial struggles, our health problems, family issues, loneliness, and anything else that causes stress and anxiety. The Bible tells us that God is even bigger than the nations and leaders of this world (Daniel 2:21) and that He sets everything in place to accomplish His purposes (Proverbs 16:4). God is not surprised by what’s happening in our world, and He sees what you are going through even now (Psalm 34:15). When dealing with fear and anxiety, it’s important to stand on the promises of God and His Word, but that entails more than simply reciting a few Bible verses. We have to pray, we have to trust, and we have to abide in the presence of Almighty God.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” - Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV)

Jesus’ parable about the house built on the rock teaches us that we need a firm foundation if we hope to stand against the storms of this life. This “rock” that we must build our life upon can only be found in Jesus Christ and the Word of God. I find it interesting that at the same time God encouraged Joshua to “be strong and courageous,” He also commanded him to study and obey His written Word:

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:8-9 (ESV)

Likewise, true peace that surpasses all understanding can only be found through a relationship with Jesus. If we make it our priority to seek the kingdom of God first, He promises to take care of us because He already knows exactly what we need:

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” - Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV)

As you navigate the struggles of this life and everything happening in our world today, ask yourself these questions: What have I built my life upon? Is Jesus the center of my life? Can I stand on God’s Word when storms come my way? No matter what happens in our world this year, remember that God is still on the throne, and He works all things according to His purposes!

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” – Psalm 46:10 (ESV)