A firm foundation

March 15, 2007

By John W. Kennedy

Uncertainty in this world is a given. The stakes may seem higher with the threat of terrorist attacks, political acrimony, weather disasters and war. But the Bible clearly teaches all these calamities are nothing new.

The good news for Christians is God is on our side. How much better in troubling times to have the Lord to turn to with our anxieties, fears and disappointments than to worry alone.

Nahum 1:7 tells us, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him” (NIV).

When the pressures of the world close in around us we may feel as though the Lord doesn’t understand what we’re going through. But Zephaniah 3:17 assures us, “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.”

Being sure the Lord hears our prayers is an integral part of our relationship with Him. Psalm 116:1 exclaims, “I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.” That the Lord hears our cries for help isn’t the only reason, or even the best reason, we should have for loving Him. We have a multitude of motivations to be grateful: God is our Creator, provider, protector and way of salvation.

Those who are well grounded in their faith can face major illness, financial ruin or other trials without their faith crumbling. Because they rely on God’s Word and faithfully communicate with their Heavenly Father in prayer, they rest on a strong foundation.

As God declares in Isaiah 7:9, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand firm at all.”

John W. Kennedy is news editor of Today’s Pentecostal Evangel.