The ROCK
Did everyone hear that crazy thunder and rain yesterday? It was wild by my house and my dog was freaking out! When it was over, there were branches and leaves all strewn about right outside. A real mess, if you ask me.
The Bible has a lot to say about stormy weather. Proverbs 10:25 says, “When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.” Interesting, right? But I don’t think it means that some people are gonna be blown away by the next thunderstorm like leaves and branches.
This passage reminds me of a parable Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:24-27. In it, Jesus breaks down the Proverb in a way that is easier to understand. Jesus says, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 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. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
In both of these verses, God tells us not just once, but twice, that by listening to him, abiding in him, and waiting on him, we will be kept deeply rooted when times are tough. Our houses will not be swept away. We will not be swept away ourselves. We will be steadfast, sure, and true thanks to our faith in God.
Not only does God call us to have him be our rock, he actually wants to! The Lord wants nothing more for us to build our foundation on Him and the teachings of His Son, Jesus. He wants us to live our lives for Him. He wants to help us when the storm tries to blow us away. He wants to be our support whenever we’re in sticky situations. All we have to do is let Him into our lives and ask for the support, foundation, and guidance we need to bring glory to God, even in the tough times.
Build your house on The Rock. I challenge you to invest in your relationship with God. When times get tough, and the storm gets a bit too strong, I want all of us to stand firm forever. –Naomi Castaneda
Journal Guide: Grab your journal and take some time to answer these questions. Journaling is a great way to connect with yourself and with what God might be trying to tell you.
Listen to this song to get you in the mood Jhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4KZ8uMGync
1. Are you scared of thunderstorms? Why or why not?
2. What do you think it means to be righteous?
3. What do tough times look like in your world? How can God help you get through them?
4. What are some ways you can connect with God? Challenge yourself to practice these ways for a whole week.
5. Take some time to write a prayer to God.
Conversation Guide: Ask these questions to your parents or your siblings during or after dinner.
1. What is the best thing to build a house on?
2. What are ways that we can stand firm as a family?
3. How can I be praying for you?
Prayer: Read Proverbs 10:25 and Matthew 7:24-27 and pray this quietly to God:
Dear God, I want to invest in our relationship. I need Your help so that I can be deeply rooted in You. Help me when the storms try to blow me away. I love you. Amen.