unshakeable faith

A few years ago, powerful storm came through our area. Its lightening and powerful wind resulted in several residential fires, downed power lines, and fallen trees. Thousands – including us – were without electricity. A tree came through the roof of our youth pastor’s home.

Unaware this storm was carving a path across the city, I left home to speak at a church an hour away. The sky got darker and darker as I drove. I expected a funnel to drop out of the clouds any moment. Lightening struck a transformer on an electrical pole on the side of the road just as I passed by sending sparks shooting into the middle of the road. Broken limbs blew across my path. I considered turning back but the sky ahead looked better than what was behind me so I prayerfully continued on.

Thankfully I made it to my destination safely. Ironically, I was going to kick-off a study of “Unshakeable Faith” and planned to talk about how to stand firm on God’s truth when everything around you is shaky! My drive made for a great analogy!

Storms of life

Are you experiencing any storms in your life right now? If you aren’t right now, you will. Scripture is clear that trouble and trials will be a part of our life (John 16:33, James 1:2).

What do we do when storms hit? What do we do when we can’t see God actively working in our circumstances?

In Psalm 71, the psalmist cries out to God for help. His troubles were piling up and he couldn’t see God at work. If you have time, read the entire psalm. It’s only 24 verses. Here, I’d like to share six things the psalmist did to stand firm on God’s truth when everything around him was shaking.

6 steps for unshakeable faith

  1. Ask – Express your need to God and ask for Him to intervene. “Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 71:4).
  2. Remember – Reflect on the ways God has worked in your life and helped you in the past. “For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you” (Psalm 71:5-6a).
  3. Praise – Glorify God for who He is! It will foster trust in your great God. “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long” (Psalm 71:8).
  4. Appeal – Base your request for help on God’s character and faithfulness. “Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness” (Psalm 71:2).
  5. Place – Put your hope and trust in God to work in your circumstances. “But as for me, I will always have hope” (Psalm 71:14a).
  6. Anticipate – Watch for God to work! Anticipate His deliverance! “You will increase my honor and comfort me once again” (Psalm 71:21).

Like the psalmist, even in the midst of his trouble we can stand firm on God and His truth. We may not see Him working, but we can take refuge in our Rock and Fortress (Psalm 71:3).

What storm rages around you today? Cry out to God for help. Praise Him and anticipate His deliverance!

 

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