You probably remember the story.
A foolish man built his house on sand; a wise man built his home on rock. When a storm came, the house built on sand fell with a great crash. But the wise man’s house stood firm (Matthew 7:24-27).
With this parable Jesus offers visual imagery for choosing man’s way to live or God’s way:
1) You can choose to build your life on getting ahead and having a good time, but in the end you will have nothing.
Or,
2) You can choose to build your life on faith in Jesus, and in the end you will receive great gain–a Rock of stability to depend on now, and perfect bliss in heaven for eternity.
Jesus is:
- Reliable. “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he” (Deuteronomy 32:4).
- Unchanging. “Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
- Protective. “In the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling..and set me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5).
But I’m thinking the story about houses built on sand and rock could be applied to our thought lives, too.
For example, if we allow our minds to focus on the shifting sands of circumstance, we sink into negativity, worry, and fear.
If we focus on a firm foundation of scriptural absolutes, a sense of tranquility and strength pervades our spirits.
What are those absolutes? The Bible teaches many, including the following:
God loves us — so much that he sent his only Son to die in our place. Jesus took the punishment for our sins that we deserve (John 3:16). Now, I’ve heard that statement thousands of times. Perhaps you have, too. But we mustn’t allow familiarity to reduce this truth to banality. His love for us is everlasting. Deep. Caring. Forgiving. Full of grace. Let’s bask in the wonder of his love!
God has a plan for each of our lives, and it’s a good plan (Jeremiah 29:11). Notice God doesn’t promise a pleasurable plan. God loves us too much to allow addiction to fun. With his goodness comes discipline, so that we become mature. In the final analysis, immature people are not the most content anyway. They are self-centered and tend to whine and complain. I don’t want to be that kind of person, and I’ll bet you don’t either. So let’s accept the absolute goodness of God’s plan.
God will equip and empower us for his plan (Isaiah 41:10). He’s the one who formed mountains, engineered ecosystems, and filled infinite space with countless stars. This same God lives within us and works through us, fostering resolve, strength, and perseverance. Let’s turn to him moment by moment to avail ourselves of his power.
And as we affirm such truths, we are reinforcing our foundation upon the Rock. Stone upon stone. Solid, firm, and strong. When the storms come– economic setbacks, health problems, emotional hurts–we will not collapse into a heap.
With David we will be able to exult in God’s provision:
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand…Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust” (Psalm 40:1-2, 4b).
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What scriptural absolutes are part of your foundation? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!
( art credit: www.intheleafytreetopsthebirssing.blogspot.com)
From the Inside Out 
This is the verse that came to mind: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1:2-4). He tells is WHEN troubles come our way, not IF. It comforts me in the midst of the storm to know He is making me perfect and complete.
Thank you for this post. I’ve been thinking about these same things. God is trying to tell me something. 🙂
Oh, yes, it is comforting to know God always puts the storms to good use. When I read that passage from James you quoted, my heart swells with new resolve that I not waste an opportunity to become mature, complete, and not lacking anything.
Thank you, Heather, for stopping by!
God has a plan for each of our lives, and it’s a good plan – wow those words resonated with me today. And it’s a good plan. I will remember that!! Thanks Nancy! words I needed to read today.
So delighted and humbled that God could use my words to minister to you, Jean. Blessings to you, Sister!
I love this scripture! There is a children’s song that is based on it that is awesome (https://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/the-wise-man-and-the-foolish-man?lang=eng)
One of my “foundation scriptures” is Joshua 24:15 (“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”) and Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord). oooh! One more: John 14:6 (Jesus is THE WAY)
What a guidebook we have been given in the scriptures!
Gail at Making Life An Art
I was remembering that song as I wrote this post. Used to sing it in Sunday School when I was a child–a long time ago!! You’ve chosen some wonderful foundation-scriptures. John 14:6 includes much food for thought as I consider Jesus as my Way (to heaven), my Truth (for wisdom), and the Life (abundant)! Indeed, the Bible is a precious guidebook. Thank you, Gail, for your contributions!
God has a plan for each one of us! And a good plan! Wow a wonderful post, God is love! He is good! He is faithful! I needed to read this today! Thanks so much dear for sharing this! Blessings!
Praise God he is able to use this blog to bless others. Thank YOU for your encouragement!
How wonderful it is to reflect upon the fact that the One who engineered this whole universe in only six days is living within me! His power..within me! I have only to to avail myself of His strength and His love and His promise to fill me with His peace when I am going through a rough patch. I have only to claim it as I pray to be lifted from the ‘mud and the mire of negativity, worry, and fear’. I already have it. I need to only trust Him…for He is the Great Comforter and will see me through anything that comes my way. Lovely post, Nancy. It was a great one for me to read, especially this week.
My heart resonated with your statement: “As I pray to be lifted…I already have it (God’s peace).” SO TRUE! I must continually remind myself to wrap my prayers in promises and praise, affirming what I know from the Bible that applies to the situation. One of these days, perhaps I’ll have developed that habit so strongly, my first response will be the praise, THEN the prayer!
I am humbled and honored that God uses this blog to minister to you, Cheri. Please know you minister to me, too!