Built On Solid Rock

Stop.

Close your eyes. Feel where your feet are on the ground. Picture God’s love as the foundation on which you stand.

Listen.

[Jesus said] “I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built.” – Luke 6:47-48

Reflect.

This week, we’re listening to the stories between last Sunday’s preaching text and the lesson for tomorrow. We’ve already heard about Jesus calling his disciples and their first teachings. Today, those teachings continue with this story about calling on Jesus in times of trouble. 

Maybe you’ve heard the hymn with the verse: “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking stand.” This verse from Luke inspired that hymn’s verse. Here, Jesus calls his disciples to prepare for hard times by living faithfully and wisely during easy times. When we have a firm foundation of staying in God’s presence, hearing God’s word, and serving God’s people, difficult times cannot destroy us. 

This isn’t to say that you experienced an overwhelming time because you were unfaithful. Jesus doesn’t share this story to shame us. It’s more like cause and effect: because you are centered fully in God’s love and share that love with others, you’ll have what you need to make it through. You can always come to God and trust that God will care for you through hard times. 

But it’s not just about having a relationship with God in those hard times. The best, strongest, most confident faith is built when things are easy and happy. We can trick ourselves into thinking we’re all we need as long as things go well. But when we call on God in good times or hard ones, we stay connected to the truth: our foundation is in God.

Pray.

I call on you, God. Be with me in times of trouble and ease. Stand by me whether I’m sick or strong. Teach me when I’m stubborn and when I’m open to your will. Let me be rooted in you. Amen.

Carry On.

Do times feel rocky or smooth right now? Can you name three ways you see God at work in your life, no matter how things are going?