Unshakeable | July 2021 Monthly Newsletter
Written by Ps. Nicholas Hung | Senior Pastor of Antioch Gospel Church
Hello Church!
Unshakeable ... What a powerful word!
Just the idea of being unshakeable sounds so good, doesn’t it ... especially in this world where so many things around us are flexible, constantly changing, yielding and weak. Ask any home owner who has experienced leaks in their roof or cracks in the foundations. Ask a spouse enduring the storm of marital unfaithfulness. Ask a worker who has just lost their job because they are simply ‘no longer needed.’ Whatever the context, the idea of living an unshakeable life definitely has plenty of appeal.
Just saying the words, “I am unshakeable,” has a sweet ring to it. Yet if we’re honest, most of the time we humans aren’t unshakeable – we just wish we were!
“IF ONLY I COULD BE UNSHAKEABLE, UNDETERRED, IMMOVABLE! IF ONLY I COULD HANDLE AND ENDURE ANY STORM OF ANY SIZE THAT COMES MY WAY AND STILL BE STANDING TALL AND STRONG!”
Yes, we want to be unshakeable. But if we’re plain honest with ourselves, the reality is that there are many times when things like an offensive word spoken by someone else, a financial hit that we’ve just taken, the uncertainties of the economy or job market and so much more, often ruffles our feathers more than most of us would care to admit!
Thankfully, the wisest man who ever lived – Solomon, offers us some powerful insights in the Bible book of Proverbs to help us find an unshakeable strength and security that is beyond the wisdom of this world. He writes:
“Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.” (Proverbs 12:3 NLT)
Solomon contrasts two types of people – ungodly people who are unstable and godly people who are deep rooted. Of course the implication is abundantly clear – by choosing to live our lives according to God’s purpose and plans for our lives we cultivate the production of deep and strong roots and foundations that enable us to live stable, secure, unshakeable lives.
Like a tree stretching out its roots in the hunt for subterranean waters and branching out in pursuit of nutrients in the soil and surroundings, every decision we make to serve Jesus and live in the priorities of His kingdom calling is a root building exercise. Every time we allow His character and way of thinking to pervade every part of ours, our roots are going deeper. Every time we choose to fill our thoughts with His thoughts and strengthen our understanding and influence our behaviours with the truth of His word is another step towards the unshakeable.
Contrary to the popular thinking of this world, true security is not found in the things this world offers. Neither money, nor friendships, fame, geographical location, health, youth or anything else, can offer the kind of security and stability that is only found by living for Jesus.
Jesus Himself put it like this: “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” (Matthew 7:24-25 NLT)
Deep roots, deep foundations, unshakeable faith, enduring values – are all the result of choosing the pathways of the godly. The roots that we find by living with Jesus afford us stability in times and places where others are not able to discover the same.
The concept is simple. The application equally simple. Put your trust in God. Lean on His truths and take steps according to His word and directives. Stay faithful. Stay planted. And watch as, “The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.” (Psalms 92:12 NLT) Surely, “Light shines in the darkness for the godly …” (Psalms 112:4 NLT) Why? Because, “… the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.” (Proverbs 12:12 NLT)
So the next time you think about the word ‘unshakeable,’ think about ‘Jesus’ in the same sentence.
THE ONLY WAY TO LIVE A TRULY UNSHAKEABLE LIFE IN THIS WORLD THAT IS SO EASILY SHAKEN IS FOR US TO BUILD OUR LIVES UPON THE SOLID AND UNSHAKEABLE ROCK – AND HIS NAME IS JESUS!
With half-the-year already gone, let’s make sure that this second half of 2021 is built the right way for the right outcomes!
Many blessings church. We’re praying for you all.
Pastor Nicholas and Grace