Tag Archives: Know

Days 24/25/26: Concrete, Know, Dream

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31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2

Days 24/25/26: Concrete, Know, Dream

Taking this picture remains as real to me now as it did then. It was the very moment I knew that the dream of our new home was really coming true. That completed concrete block foundation represented so many things to me: plans accomplished, hopes realized, and a promise for our future.

There was a wait time of course, before the house could be placed on the understructure. The builders explained that the cement had to dry, harden, and season for maximum stability. Though I was anxious for it to be placed upon it, I knew having a solid foundation was vital for a house to stand. 

I’ve been thinking about foundations a lot lately, not concrete ones but spiritual ones. My small, rural, country church is struggling.  The pandemic battered our finances and having few members we are challenged to recover. Hard discussions have been had. Words we never thought would be, have had to be said. Winds of change are buffeting our church family and we’re desperately trying to withstand it all. 

Grief, frustration, fear, shock, and so many emotions assail us as we hang on the best we can through this storm. As often happens to me, a song, or more accurately a “God-wink,” has come at just the right time and I’m clinging to the lyrics:

“If the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down
When it’s build on His name
There’s nothing gonna shake this ground
If the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down.

The bricks may be weathered
Through storm and through fire
But what God holds together
It stands firm every time.”
If the Lord Builds the House by Hope Darst

I’ve been singing these words over and over as a way to remind myself that God has built His house, the church and while in the future ours may not look like what we’ve always known, it will “stand firm” because God’s the One holding it. 

“Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.” Ephesians 2:20-21 (NLT)

As Christians we know we’re going to face many storms that threaten to threaten our very foundations, individually and as a church. The truth is, that what we’ve tried to build on our own may be destroyed; but what a comfort to know that what’s built on the solid foundation of Christ will stand firm every time. His plans for us will be accomplished. Our hopes in Him will be realized. And His promise for our future? Unshakeable!

“Cause my life is anchored
On this solid truth
That whatever God’s building
No, it can’t be moved.”

https://youtu.be/22j4e3n6t3g

 

 

This I Know ~ Five Minute Friday

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“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

This I Know

On evenings like this one, looking at the lake feels just like looking in the mirror. The glassy surface casts back the lights and darks of dusk in perfect replication. Each soft hue and even the smallest leaves are reproduced beautifully across the transparent, quiet water. But…

When the tranquility is disturbed by the winds of a storm or something dropped in the midst of the reflection, the image becomes lost among the ripples as they roll toward shore. We know what we had seen, but now it’s impossible to make out.

My image of God can be the very same way. When things are going smoothly in life, I feel as if I can see Him reflecting love, mercy, and generosity back at me. But…

When the peaceful times are disrupted by raging storms of life, or if the unexpected is thrown into my days, I lose sight of God. Seeing Him in difficult times often seems impossible. Maybe for you too?

Looking at God and His plan through our earthly perspective will never allow us to behold His perfect, invariable image. We only get a glimpse of bits and pieces through the waves of our emotions, surging fears, and disrupted dreams. We just can’t make out the whole picture. But…

This I know: Even though we can’t see Him, He sees us. 

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer,”
1 Peter 3:12a (NIV)

This I know: Even though it feels as if we’re on our own in restless waters, He is always there.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

This I know: Someday, we will finally see clearly.

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know full, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:12-13 (NIV)