Matthew 7:24-25 ESV [24] “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
Just as a house needs a solid base to withstand the elements, our lives need a spiritual foundation to weather life's inevitable challenges.
Building this foundation isn't a one-time event; it's a continuous process, much like tending a garden. It requires consistent effort, regular self-reflection, and a willingness to listen to that still, small voice that whispers guidance. It means taking the time to examine our priorities, ensuring they align not just with our own desires but with a sense of something larger than ourselves – with God's will.
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. [6] In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
When we acknowledge Him in every aspect, He provides the clarity for a clear, God-given purpose that gives meaning to every moment.
This isn't always easy. There are days when distractions feel overwhelming, when the path ahead seems unclear. That's when the practice of self-reflection becomes crucial. Carving out moments for quiet contemplation, whether through prayer, meditation, or simply having a quiet time out in nature, allows us to check our bearings and realign our focus. It's an opportunity to ask ourselves the tough questions: What truly matters? What am I striving for? Are my actions reflecting my deepest values?
Colossians 3:17 ESV And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
This really hits home because it tells us that every single moment, every word we speak, and every single thing we do can be filled with divine meaning when we do it in His name. It's like everything suddenly matters in a deeper way.
This journey requires an openness to God's guidance. It's about surrendering our own preconceived notions and trusting that there's a wisdom beyond our own understanding. This doesn't mean passively waiting for instructions, but rather actively seeking understanding through scripture, fellowship, and a heart that's receptive to divine nudges.
Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
We are designed for a purpose, and through seeking Him, we discover those good works He has prepared for us.
It's not a quick fix or some finish line we cross. Think of it more as a whole new way of living. It's about really leaning into the constant process of growing, learning, and trying to live a life that's not just meaningful, but also connected to a bigger purpose that goes beyond just what we see here on Earth. It's about building this unshakeable hope, a hope that actually stretches beyond this life and is deeply rooted in eternity.
Just like an anchor keeps a boat steady in rough waters, this hope keeps us steady, because it's firmly planted in God's eternal presence.