Build your Foundation

Scripture I'm Reflecting on:  Isaiah 28:16
     "Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
      Look!  I am placing a foundation stone in Jersusalem,
          a firm and tested stone.
      It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on.
          Whoever believes need never be shaken.

Reflection:
There are several passages that teach us to make our faith the foundation for our lives.  Psalm 118:22, Matthew 22:42, 1 Peter 2:8.  We are guaranteed security when we do this.  We are guaranteed happiness when we do this.  So why do we find ourselves forgetting this so often?

It's easy, especially in today's world, to find security in so many other things than the Word.  Some people find it through their wealth.  Some people find it through success in their job, their test scores, or on the sports field.  The problems with these "securities" are pretty obvious.  Those who rely on riches and fortunes for their security and happiness will never have enough.  They will always want more, and never find peace.  Those who rely on success will eventually run into failure, and then what?  Athletes age and lose their ability.  Top business executives eventually are pushed into retirement.  When this happens, and our faith has not been our rock...our "foundation"...then its clear that negative things will be close behind.

Most Christians understand the dangers that come with putting money and fame on the same pedastal as God.  But maybe what is more dangerous is when we put our security in someone else.  Putting our security in someone else is easy to do, and doesn't even seem logically wrong.  It's not wrong to rely on someone.  A family member.  Spouse.  Boyfriend/Girlfriend.  Even just a good friend.  Family and friends are a much stronger foundation than money and fame.  But they are not a stronger foundation than our faith in God.  There's only one foundation that won't break in the face of dark times and tragedy, and that is faith in Him.

So what's the ultimate danger preventing us from this foundation?  Us.  Our minds.  At least this is the danger that attacks me the most.  Bad day, no problem I can handle it.  "I'm tough".....  I don't need to pray for that, I can make it happen on my own......  I can figure out this problem, I'm a smart guy.  I let what I thought were my intelligent thoughts and logic talk me out of having faith in the Bible for many years of my life.  It's easier than many think to make yourself believe you can "out-think" the Bible, prove to yourself its not all real, or make yourself believe there's no logic in "prayer".  Science, big bang theory, evolution, on and on, there's plenty of well thought out and researched concepts that lure our mind away from having faith.  But as I found out, and anyone who puts themselves...their logic...or their preceived intelligence ahead of everything in their life will find, this does not lead to the "security" that we need in life.

Awareness of these dangers, I believe, is the key to keeping our faith as our foundation.  Where do you  turn when you feel vulnerable?  Staying in the Word on a regular basis will help us ensure that we are turning to God first.  Having that foundation, is the ONLY way to achieve all of the glory that God has planned for us.

Final Thought:
Don't misread this to say that there's anything wrong with the "dangers" I've listed.  Having reliable family and friends is one of the most important things to have in life.  But make sure you are surrounded with people who understand that your faith is your foundation.  Everytime I read an article, or some "expert" giving reasons for why divorce rates are skyrocketing, I laugh and cringe at the same time.  The answer is simple.  The number of people with faith as their foundation are rapidly decreasing.  Because of this the number of relationships formed with God as a foundation are decreasing.  What does that =?  Divorce rates up.  As easy as 1+1.

There's nothing wrong with money, career goals, or increasing your intelligence.  Earning a lot of money is not at all a bad thing...that is....as long as it doesn't pull you away from Him.  I know career success is a big part of my goals for the future.  But as I work towards this, I know I have to keep verses like this in mind to make sure foundation is solid.

Place your hopes and dreams in God, in Jesus, in the Word.  Once we have this foundation, the rest of our lives.....our career.....our relationships.....our happiness, will come together.