Unshaken

READ: PSALM 62; MATTHEW 7:24-29; JOHN 16:31-33

Perhaps you know how it feels to seek shelter from the storms of life. I know I do. We often look for safety and security in anything we can, like sailors trying to cast an anchor. But it soon becomes clear that “everything is futile,” or empty—like vapor that’s here one moment and gone the next (Ecclesiastes 1:2). No matter how hard we try to find the shelter we so desperately desire, when we put our confidence in the world’s unkept promises, we come up empty-handed.

Because of sin, the world is often a dark place. Sometimes it’s hard to find light. But God doesn’t leave us alone in the storms. Look at how David begins the 62nd psalm by penning a testimony of God’s faithfulness. He writes, “I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken.”

In a world of uncertainty, God offers us shelter and rest. He made this world good, and though our sin brought brokenness, Jesus stepped into this brokenness to save us. He is the Light of the world who rescues us from darkness through His own death and resurrection. He is the solid rock that will not be shaken. And when He returns, He will make all things new and whole.

But as we wait for this glorious day, life in the midst of brokenness can sometimes seem like an insurmountable challenge. We are often surrounded by difficulties, and we may even feel as if we’re completely alone. If God promises us that we will not be shaken, shouldn’t He protect us from the trials that roll our way?

In John 16:33, Jesus tells His disciples, “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” Jesus does not promise a life free from trials. In fact, He guarantees that we will suffer. But He promises to be our stronghold who brings us hope above all else, a Savior to cling to despite the trials, and a God who loves His precious children. And so, while we can be certain that we will have trials, we can trust God completely when He tells us that those who have faith in Jesus will “never be shaken.” • Katherine Billingsley

• What things, ideas, or people are you tempted to find security and identity in? How have these let you down? Jesus sees our pain and grieves our hurts with us. He comforts us in our troubles and invites us to take part in bringing wholeness to broken places. (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)

• What are some of God’s attributes and promises we can count on as a firm foundation, no matter what? (Matthew 11:28-30; 28:20; John 8:12; 1 Peter 2:4-6; Revelation 21:1-5)

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:2 (CSB)