I noticed on my walk that bright new white and yellow lines are being painted on the newly applied asphalt on the road.  I also saw that underneath the new pavement there remains remnants of the old.  It caused me to think of archeological sites which have discovered layer upon layer of buildings, in cities, that have been built upon over the years. Knowing there was a good foundation established, those who followed simply built upon that which already existed.  The old may have been torn down, but the foundation remained.

I smile as I think of our friends who are hoping to rebuild a family home on the original foundations of the past generation.  Much of the home needs replacing but the foundation is strong and can be built upon.

In contemplating this image, I was reminded that the foundation really does matter.  What we build our lives and homes on, generation after generation, is of such intense value. Building on what has previously been established can be a pretty valuable beginning, if that foundation has been built appropriately and securely.  We all know, as we look around, that secure foundations are not always the case.

Jesus said to be careful how we build.  How appropriate, as we say goodbye to these summer days, to ponder his words ‘don’t build upon the sand’ (Matthew 7:26).  We can see how quickly sandcastles are destroyed by a little rain or the nudge of a foot. Instead, build on a solid rock foundation, said Jesus, for no matter what weather comes your way you are sure to stand firm. “Rain came… streams rose… winds blew… yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock” (25).

Years before, when the foundations of society were crumbling all around, the question was asked, “When the foundations are being destroyed what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:2). The answer is swiftly given, “God hasn’t moved to the mountains; his holy address hasn’t changed.  He’s in charge, as always, his eyes taking everything in, his eyelids unblinking, examining Adam’s unruly brood inside and out, not missing a thing.”  We can still build on a firm foundation because the foundation remains generation after generation. It has not and will not change – Jesus Christ, the living God, remains unchanging and secure.

I keep a quote on my fridge, scribbled on a piece of paper, which has hung there for years.  It is a quote by St. Teresa of Avila. “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing, God is unchanging.”  Foundations around us may be crumbling but we have a certain foundation. It is on this foundation we keep building generation after generation! “The Lord reigns forever, your God, for all generations” (Psalm 146:10).

Today, this song asks each of us a question.  My prayer is that we can say that our anchor will hold for it is fixed on the foundation of Jesus the Word, and his words (John 1-5).

450: Will Your Anchor Hold In The Storms Of Life

1. Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the storm tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.

2. Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave and the wild winds blow,
Shall the angry waves your bark o'erflow?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.

3. Will your anchor hold in the floods of death,
When the waters' cold chill your latest breath?
On the rising tide you can never fail
While your anchor holds within the veil.

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.

4. Will your eyes behold through the morning light
The city of gold and the harbor bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore,
When life's storms are past forevermore?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.

God of firm foundations, generation after generation. We thank you that in a world that can shift and shake we can fasten ourselves to an immovable rock – Jesus Christ. We confess that we sometimes reach for things that tell us they are secure but, are easily pulled from our hands when the storms of life wash over us. By your Spirit remind us daily to seek the Rock of all ages. AMEN

With care and in prayer,