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
- 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).
- 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).
- 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).
- Appeal – Base your request for help on God’s character and faithfulness. “Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness” (Psalm 71:2).
- 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).
- 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!
I always like to open up the Psalms when storms rage around me; I always find hope in them.
I am so glad that you made it to your destination without harm.
Thank you Iris! I love that the Psalms are so honest. I can identify with the psalmists.
Wow this has given me about a reason to preach on Sunday at my church about standing firm in the lord.God bless you dear.
The storms ragin around me seem to be coming from the lives of my friends and family. I feel protected, but I also feel compassion for those truly struggling. Above all, I must protect my heart. I also acknowledge the need to be someone whom others can lean on. Studied the whole of Psalm 71 after reading your post for today. Doubly blessed.
On another note, I am strugglign reading my comments as I’m typing them in your blog. The light blue on the brown is very difficult to read. Hope it’s okay that I said something. Just doing what I would want someone to do for me.
Kari, so glad that Psalm 71 blessed you today. May God continue to give you strength and wisdom to encourage those He has placed in your life.
Thanks for letting me know about your difficulty with reading the comments. Unfortunately I’m not seeing what you’re seeing. I’ve got brown type on a light background. What kind of device are you using? Laptop? Smart phone? I’d love to see a screen shot so I can see what you’re seeing. My email is kathy@kathyhoward.org
So much blessed
Hello Kathy, the book of Psalms always encourages me. I am blessed by your 6 steps to standing firm. God is good.
Cassie, I am glad the post encouraged you! Thanks for coming by!
Dear Kathy, am very blessed for this revelation and I will love to follow your write ups. Thank you
Thank you so much I really needed that, I need to stand firm in my faith, be strong, and not worry, and let God work! Thank you!
I have to say this , am lifted. With half tears in my eyes, I appreciate this masterpiece not because of the content only but because I found it at the right moment .may God bless the soul of the writer . Soft tears
Thank you!
Thanks for finally talking about >6 Steps for Standing Firm on God’s Truth When Everything Around You is Shaking <Liked it!
I always read my Psalm as they have comforting verses for all situations we go through, as a new comer to the christian faith I have felt so many challenges in my life and through prayer, reading bible verses and the Psalm I have found comfort and peace. Thank you Kathy
Inspirational and insightful. Am bless by this, thank you jesus
Thank you sister