Unshaken

He is my firm foundation. When everything is shaking and nothing seems to be standing, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. He is unshakeable, unchanging, immutable and irrefutable.

I don’t know what is going to happen, and I don’t often know what is the right or wise decision to make amidst the current chaos surrounding us. But, I do know the One who not only knows but who also is in complete control. I am a child leaning into Father and listening for the voice of Him who faithfully shepherds me.

This may sound simple, even naive. I do not apologize. The gospel is simple: Jesus is the only way, the only truth, the only gateway to real life. There is no shadow of turning with Him; He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His steadfast and faithful care gives me confidence to seek His Kingdom above all else, and it gives me courage to lay down my self interest, self preservation and self promotion.

He loves me, and He loves you, and that has nothing to do with either one of us. It has everything to do with who He is.

Here’s the deal. Our relationship with Him is on His terms: no other gods, no selfish ambition, no hatred, and no lawlessness. His righteousness is peace, and His rule is just. He is holy, and He is serious, and I have to take Him seriously. Grace covers sin, but it is not a license to sin. Once I have come to a saving knowledge of Him, and once I truly believe that I am lost, poor and destitute without Him, how could I ever knowingly dishonor Him. It’s only when I forget the joy of my salvation that I fall again into compromise, complacency and selfishness.

Thank God for His Holy Spirit who was sent to remind me of the things Jesus said. And praise God for the power of the Holy Spirit that works within me to change me more and more into the image of Christ. It is the Holy Spirit who pours the love of God into my heart, and it is the love of God that changes me and empowers me to love the people around me. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits (Psalm 103).

I encourage you, dear reader, to meditate on Psalm 103 this week. Take it slowly and ponder the benefits of our covenant-making, covenant-keeping God, who is full of mercy, grace and truth, and who is always and forever the same.

Until next week, keep lifting your eyes to the giver of life.