solid ground

Does the current global financial crisis have you feeling a little shaky?  Does it seem that the ground beneath your feet is shifting?  Do you feel unstable?  Anxious?  Are you afraid of going under?

Where are your feet planted?  As the old hymn says, "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."  If you feel your feet giving way, perhaps somewhere along the line your foundation has shifted.  Maybe subtly your security has changed from Christ alone, to the things of this world?  I realize that these are uncertain times and I am certainly not condemning anyone.  You may stand firm in your faith and still feel anxious.  I am just encouraging you to search your heart on the matter.  Go to the Father and talk to Him about it.

Today in church as we were singing a song about freedom, it occurred to me that this may be what all of this is about.  Maybe God is breaking some chains.  Maybe He is setting us free from some bondage.

Remember the kings in the Old Testament?  An evil king would come along and set up high places, alters, and asherah poles.  And he would put phallic symbols and male prostitutes in the Temple of God.  Then a godly king would come on the scene. He would destroy the asharah poles, tear down the high places and cleanse the Temple.  

It occurred to me, that perhaps that is what is happening now.  First, let me say that money is not evil and it is not sinful to be wealthy.  But, "The love of money is the root of all evil."  And " you cannot serve God and money."

I think, generally speaking, our world worships money.  I think, specifically speaking, I love money more than I want to.  I think God's people may have divided loyalties and that is called being double minded.  David prayed for God to give him and undivided heart.  That is my prayer, too.  And if I have been serving money, or loving it in a sinful way, I want God to purge that from me.

If he is cleansing us, if He is tearing down the high places, then we should be rejoicing!  He is doing a mighty thing!  We should not tremble or fear.  We should plant our feet firmly on The Rock and watch and see that the Lord is good!

Psalm 46: 1-3

     God is our refuge and strength,
         A very present help in trouble. 
    Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
         And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; 
    Though its waters roar and foam,
         Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.