Over the past two years the world has been full of uncertainty. Many of our lives have been turned upside down and, some of us are still a little queasy. At times, life and the circumstances I found myself in, felt like a ride in an amusement park, specifically a merry-go-round/rollercoaster. There were moments when things were turning smoothly like a merry-go-round and then unexpectedly there would be sudden dips, drops and flips. While experiencing the unpredictable, I held tightly onto the rails and at times I held my breath. Over the past two years, I have cried and prayed; prayed and cried. Over the past two years, I have had to find my footing and I am grateful that every time I faltered, I held onto my faith and found myself able to stand on solid ground.
I grew up in a church where traditional hymns were sung at every worship service. One of my favorite hymns is The Solid Rock written by Edward Mote (#368 in the red United Methodist Hymnal). Over the past two years, as the world seemed to spin out of control, the chorus of The Solid Rock repeatedly rang in my heart. “On Christ the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.” The lyrics of this chorus remind me that God is still in control, regardless of what comes and I have no reason to sink into despair. I was reminded to keep the faith (Mark 9:23) and to depend upon the sovereignty of God (Romans 8:28). I chose to rededicate myself to God’s good plan for my life, keep my feet planted and my life focused on Jesus, The Solid Rock.
We encounter the scriptural inspiration for this hymn, The Solid Rock, as Jesus closed the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-27). Jesus painted a clear picture with His words that only true followers of The Father will enter The Kingdom. True followers of The Father trust Him in and with everything. They have deep faith, live by His teachings, and build their lives upon Jesus, The Solid Rock. When I live by the teachings of Jesus, I have the assurance of a firm foundation upon which to stand. When I build my life on Jesus, The Solid Rock, I will be able to stand even when all around me seems to crumble.
I will not be like the foolish people who build their lives on worldly beliefs and schemes. I will follow the blueprint for building my life on Jesus, The Solid Rock that is provided in The Word of God. There are no shortcuts to building a solid foundation and shortcuts only lead to instability. Those who choose to take shortcuts ignore The Father’s teachings and jeopardize their existence. I will practice faithful obedience to The Father and live according to His instructions. Faithfulness is key to living a godly life and is rewarded by The Father. God blesses, guides, protects, and strengthens those who faithfully follow His commands (Proverbs 28:20, Proverbs 2:8, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:3). While the world around me twisted and turned, The Father faithfully met me, spoke to my heart, and gave me the ability to stand strong with my feet planted upon The Solid Rock. I am grateful that The Word of God illuminated the path for my journey. When the winds blew, torrential rains poured and the earth quaked, focusing on living by God’s Word steadied me.
My ability to stand firm came as I grew closer to The Father through the strengthening of my personal worship and devotional life. I purposefully increased the time I spend listening to and for The Father’s voice. Before my feet hit the floor each morning, I read and or listen to The Word of God. I talk to The Father before talking to anyone else. As I commune with The Father, I pour out my heart to Him in prayer and wait patiently for His reply. As I prepare to start my day, I listen to worship music and open myself to the messages God sends. I praise Him for Who He is and thank Him for all He has done for me. I have also been purposeful about being still; I sit quietly, focus on God’s goodness, and wait for Him to speak.
Whatever comes my way, I know that I can stand firm as long as I keep my feet planted on Jesus, The Solid Rock.
Join me Under The Church Hat for this month’s exercise:
Read or listen to the lyrics of The Solid Rock and write down your initial thoughts or feelings.
How would you describe the foundation that you have built your life upon?
Describe the way that your faith helps you get through the tough moments or seasons in life.
What spiritual changes have you made over the past two years?
Chose a passage of scripture from this devotion to meditate on throughout the month.
Amen Amen and Amen
Amen!
I thank God for being my Solid Rock. Through all the twist and turns of life, I can’t imagine where I would be if God was not my firm foundation. I’m real clear that ALL other ground is sinking sand!!!
I too spent 37 years at my United Methodist Church & “My Hope is Built” was my dad’s favorite!!! I am thankful & grateful for my initial foundation then & now to know the solid rock upon which I am planted!! I am reminded of Luke 6:48~ “He is like a man which built a house; digged deep; & laid the foundation in a rock; & when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house & could not shake it; for it was founded upon a rock”