Day 43 – Issue 17

Be Still Know

Matthew 7:25 NLT

‘Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.’

Discovering God’s preferences can prove tricky. I so easily identify my preferences with God’s. Now, I am very comfortable living God’s way, but in reality it’s only through careful manoeuvring and well-intentioned self-deceit that I can convince myself that my way is God’s way. The problems emerge as the storms of life arrive, which they most surely will.

Finding solid rock then may not be quite as simple as it sounds. It takes a certain amount of quiet reflection. As I lived my life chasing here and there, all in the name of God, yet equally for my own distraction and self-respect, I was unable to be still long enough to hear the voice of God. I certainly prayed and interpreted all I encountered. Yet, sadly much that I accepted as God proved to be more sand than rock. Listening takes time and demands full attention. It is insufficient to live off the gist of what God says. It’s essential to listen and understand precisely what he is saying.

The ability to discern, receive and respond to God’s revelation creates rock-solid foundations, like it did for St Peter when he recognised Jesus to be the Messiah. It wasn’t that Peter’s ‘house’ didn’t show signs of storm damage as he continued to follow Jesus, not least his denial, yet his house withstood the storm and proved habitable regardless of that storm damage.

Following Jesus is never a counsel of perfection. But God’s revelation will sustain you through the worst of storms, despite the signs of damage.

QUESTION: How much listening to God are you doing right now?

PRAYER: Lord God, when the storms of life blow, may the foundation of my life be the rock of your son, Jesus Christ.