A Strong Foundation

Psalm 11:3 – When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? (NIV)

Isaiah 58:12 – Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. (NIV)

As a child, I remember walking with my parents through an old, abandoned house in the woods, not far from my aunt's residence. This property had been vandalized by neighbourhood kids, and there was broken glass and debris everywhere. Despite that, I could imagine the beauty and charm this home had to offer if someone were willing to invest the time and money for repairs. Now, years later, I am reminded of that home while watching a television program called Flip This House, a show which allows the viewers to see how a team of investors work to transform an eyesore into a lovely, valuable dwelling.

In a spiritual sense, we can compare the old abandoned home to times of brokenness in our lives. Outside influences which compromise our moral values may daily chip away at our personal relationship with God. Other times, we may find ourselves directly or indirectly being affected by the brokenness of society, for instance substance abuse, economic crisis, and violent crimes. Consequently, in times such as these, the psalmist asks, "What can the righteous do?" Yet, Jesus made the answer clear:

Matthew 7:24-25 – 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. 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. (NIV)

Thus, the words of Jesus are the bedrock of a strong foundation on which we must build our lives. If we take His words seriously, then we, too, can flip our house onto a much stronger, more secure foundation, one that will never be destroyed.

Prayer: Lord, worldwide are the winds of destruction and despair which threaten the very core of our faith. Yet, You are the true rock and the architect of our lives. Help us to build on the strong foundation of Your words and encourage others to do likewise. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.