ROCK STEADY

A newspaper in one hand, a Bible in the other hand. Bad news. Good news. Bad news and more bad news. The pressure is on, squeezing our lives every day to succumb to fear. Fear of personal collapse, never mind the U.S. and all that is wrong in government. And just where is our bail out?

It is enough to rock the faith of even the ‘elite'. Have you felt a bit “rocky” lately ? I know I have. Debt, chaos, murder – by teens!, neglect, lay-offs, corruption…it never ends…and I hate to be the bearer of more bad news, but it isn't going to get any better in the world. But the good news is, you are not partakers of this world, you belong to a kingdom.

So how do you stay in faith and stay steady when it looks smells and feels so scary?

First, stay with what you know…stay with the word of God. Keep doing right. Continue, steady-on, in the things you know to do. Stay faithful – to your church, in your giving, to your family, to your employer, and, to yourself.

Matthew 24:24 says, “For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders so as to deceive and lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”

Don't seek comfort from any source but Jesus – He holds your answer. The grass is not greener and the psychics are in darkness…no one can be trusted like Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life.

Second, keep your eyes on Jesus. If you focus on the world and all of the issues bearing down through the news media your vision can become faint. If need be, take a fast from the news or utilize the internet and choose only a couple of reports. If you keep your focus on Jesus and His word your hope will remain strong among a hopeless barrage of information, even when your own world is shaken, and there is difficulty under your own roof.

There was a time in my life when I was so frightened and coming apart emotionally that I had a break down. I was eight months pregnant, had carpal tunnel in both hands, high blood pressure, was financially broke and my husband seemed to hate me. He wouldn't come home until I was asleep, wouldn't call me, wouldn't make plans for our baby and did everything he could to reject me. I was sick, tired, swollen, emotionally needy and scared to give birth. I had no idea how to take care of a baby or how we could provide for him on such a small salary. I was extremely fearful and had no one to turn to. After wailing uncontrollably for what seemed like days, I sensed the firm but loving touch of the Lord take my face in His gentle hands and force me to look into his eyes. I heard him say in my spirit, “Look at me.” And when I panicked and began to look away he turned my face again to his and said, “NO, look at me! Keep your eyes on me. Don't look at the things around you…look only at me.” When I obeyed, and I focused on Jesus all the panic and fear subsided; I could breathe again. I was able to face the future without panic. I have never forgotten that lesson – to look intently at the one who is my savior - it has pulled me through time and again.

Joshua 1 says, “ Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left , that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."  

Proverbs 4 says, “ 20 My son, attend to my words ; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them and health to all their flesh.”

You can have joy, courage, hope, comfort, and security when you put your focus on Christ and remain faithful.

Remember Lot 's wife. Lot and his family were miraculously delivered by an angel from the complete destruction of the city of Sodom . On their way to safety his wife looked back at the city…and died instantly, vaporized into a pillar of salt.

Never yearn for the “Good old days of Egypt ”. They weren't that good, and it is a waste of time, energy and emotion.

God has your future in His hand and in His sight. Look ahead with your head up, expecting Him to go before you to make a way.

Put the newspaper down and pick up your Bible.

From the Psalms of David:

“For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.”

“He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings.”

“From the end the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. ”

“He only is my rock and salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.”

“For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.”

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

Faithfully focus on the One who is able to deliver you, and that “rocky” feeling will disappear into a rock steady foundation. Stay focused…and breathe .

Sher's Bio

Sher Walker is a Master Artist for the media arts. She began her career in 1984 as a production assistant in television. In 1985 she attended The Research Council of Makeup Artistry School for Film, and established her career in Dallas , Texas as a freelance makeup artist.

Her 20+ year career has taken her around the globe designing camera-ready-image for movie stars, rock stars, politicians, religious leaders, athletes and CEO's. Her work is seen on nationally broadcast programs, magazine and book covers.

Sher is an author and speaker, sharing inspiration for sound living, the importance of servant hood, and of course, makeup tips! She is also a guest speaker/instructor for major universities.

Divorced with one son and remarried with three step children, Sher resides in the Dallas, TX area balancing family and career.

**If what you have read here has impacted your life, I would be glad to hear from you! Please send me a quick email at Sher@DesignBySher.com .