The rain will come

A few months ago Bryan was preparing a sermon for the elderly people we serve in a local retirement home. He was explaining to me something I hadn't really realized before from a very popular section of scripture.  

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Matthew 7:24-27

I've always been encouraged by this verse to make sure the foundation of my faith was built on nothing less than Jesus Christ, his redemption of my sinful life (because of his perfect life) and his promise of eternal life.  No other god will do; no other temporary 'trapping of this world' would suffice. Such things are sand and easily carries away anything built upon it, as the "storms" of life will surely come.

All of which are true interpretations of this text. However, Bryan pointed out that God does not say that the "storms" (rains, floods, heavy winds) may come, but rather as we read the text it clearly shows that they are coming. When they do, will we be ready to weather the often tragic and devastating effects the rains, wind and floods will bring? Is our foundation firm? Do we know for certain what our foundation is? Or rather, who it is. 

Storms/ winds/ rains/ floods are all metaphors for the aftermath of what a sinful world brings to the common man living in it. Our family is facing the one of the most awful "storms" we've had to weather. But as we suffer, I am reminded and encouraged that my God is near to us and holding us firmly as we weather this world. 

I also have been so saddened to think of others who have had to also endure such storms without the hope of the Lord. Their foundation has given way to the destruction and they are helpless without the anchor of the Lord. My heart aches for them to hear the call of the Lord. I was reading today in Psalm 107 and reminded to pray.

25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,

which lifted up the waves of the sea.

26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths;

their courage melted away in their evil plight;

27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men

and were at their wits' end.

Psalm 107:25-27

The great thing about my God is He does not want any to be left to the gods and winds of this world for salvation.  Because the rains will come, our God has provided for us salvation and shelter found on the firm and everlasting foundation of Christ Jesus. Through this season of grief, my house is built upon the rock of Christ, which has proven to be a place of refuge and peace amidst the storm.  I really love the next few verses in Psalm 107.  He does not wish to leave you with your weak foundation.

28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,

and he delivered them from their distress.

29 He made the storm be still,

and the waves of the sea were hushed.

30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet,

and he brought them to their desired haven.

31 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,

for his wondrous works to the children of man!

Psalm 107:27-31

 

The nights have been hard for me as I long to rub my belly and feel the kicks of new life. I feel empty and alone during those quiet moments when my mind wanders. I find my refuge in knowing that I am not alone during those "fierce winds". I am encouraged that Christ has ultimately hushed the winds and stopped the storm. I am wrapped and found in His perfect life, which results in a foundation ready to weather any storm life may bring, until He calls me home to a paradise free from rain.  "Thank you Lord, for your steadfast love." (vs. 31)