When I was much younger and in Kids Church, we sang a song that told the bible story of the foolish man and the wise man who each built a house.  The story is found in Matthew 7:24-27.  The song was filled with motions that portrayed the story quite well.  The wise man built his house on the rock.  When the rains came and beat against the house, the wind blew, the streams rose, his house stood.  But the foolish man built his house on the sand.  And, when the rains came and beat against his house, the winds blew and the streams rose, his house fell with a terrible crash. 

As I grew older, I sang a familiar hymn with the words, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness… On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”  A more recent worship song says, “Christ alone, cornerstone, weak made strong in the Savior’s love, through the storms, He is Lord, Lord of all.” 

With the COVID-19 virus, the past few weeks have brought drastic changes to our economy, worship gatherings, jobs, schools, and to our entire lives.  We are all living in uncharted territory.  We are faced with a future that is full of unknowns and uncertainties that are very real.  For most of us, when things are out of our hands and we don’t know what lies ahead, the enemy strikes with one of his greatest weapons – fear. 

This week I have been fighting this battle.  The “what if” game has resounded in my mind and fear has been at war against my hope and faith in Jesus.  I am sure that you can identify with the battle raging within.  When I recognized this battle going on, I knew that something had to change.  It was this bible story that reminded me that if I wanted to walk in faith and not live in fear, then I too had to be sure that my foundation, my faith, was built on the Solid Rock—Jesus. 

This doesn’t just apply to me but to all of us.  So how do we do this?  How do we go about building and placing our hope in Jesus, especially in this critical time? 

One of the first things that we can do is to limit the amount of time spent watching the news.  While we need information and to know what is going on, we cannot let it consume us.  There must be a balance.   But more importantly, I believe if we will apply God’s Word in the ways listed below, it will help all of us in our faith.

1)      We worship.  The presence of God causes us to shift our focus off of our circumstances and straight to Him.  When we are focused and our hearts are set to worship the Almighty God, fear has no hold on us.  II Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”  Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

2)      We seek God in His Word.  For me, that looks like bible studies, reading, listening, and writing His Word.  As of late, my house is filled with neon-colored index cards where I have written encouraging scriptures placed where we can’t miss them.  Do what you can to soak in this magnificent love letter given to us by God.  John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

3)      We pray.  Go to God about everything – take it all to Him.  Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

4)      We trust.  We trust God and hold to the promises in his Word.  Isaiah 43:1-3, “But now, this is what the Lord says…Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;”

I have purposely filled this writing with scriptures.   Why?  Because even though I hope that my words are inspirational to you, my words can fail you.  My words will not sustain you in times of storms and trouble.  If your faith is based on man’s words, you will crash just like the man who built his house on the sand.  But, if your hope and faith are built on Jesus and the Word of God, when you are faced with the storms and uncertainties of life, just like the house built on the rock – you will stand.