“I love you, God—you make me strong. God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God—the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout” (Psalm 18:2 MSG).
A foundation matters. We know that intellectually, yet we sometimes expect faith to become strong in the middle of a storm. Trouble arrives, and we suddenly want unshakable confidence, perfect peace, and complete certainty about God.
Instead, we may discover that our faith wobbles.
We ask questions we thought we had settled. We become frightened even though we know God is trustworthy. We pray and then wonder whether he has heard us. This can make us feel guilty, as though wavering disqualifies us from being his child.
But the strength of a foundation does not depend on whether the person standing on it feels steady.
A foundation is like the rock beneath our feet that does not move when our knees shake.
David described God as bedrock, a fortress, and a granite hiding place. These images do not suggest that David never felt afraid. He ran to God because danger was real and he needed rock, solid, security.
Our faith becomes stronger as we repeatedly return to God—reading his words, remembering his character, and speaking honestly to him. These small actions remind us of the foundation beneath us.
Perhaps your trust feels thin today. Do not scold yourself. Reach again for the truths of God you already know. Ask God to steady you. A wavering person can stand on a solid rock.
For yourself: What circumstance is causing your trust in God to wobble?
For another: Who needs to be reminded of God’s firm ground beneath him or her today?
Forgiveness: Where have you built your security on circumstances, people, success, or your own ability?
Gratitude: Recall a time when God held you steady in a difficult season.
Pray
My God, you are the rock beneath my feet. Forgive me for placing my security in circumstances that change and in strength that runs out. When doubts rise and my faith begins to wobble, remind me that you have not moved. Help me return to your words and hold onto them. Strengthen the foundation of my trust in you during calm days as well as difficult ones. Hold my hand when I feel unsteady. Pick me up when I fall, and place my feet on firm ground again. You are my refuge, my rescuer, and my safe place. Amen.
