A House of Cards
I’m still thinking a good bit about the theme of feeling overwhelmed. Why? Because lately life feels like a house of cards just waiting to be toppled by a gust of wind.
Crazy thing is, nothing is that bad in my life! Just a lot of “little” concerns, which reminds me of what Solomon said.
The Little Foxes
Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom. (Song 2:15)
Farmers and gardeners know how much damage and destruction can come from cute little animals! Rabbits will pull up bean plants the moment the seeds sprout through the ground. Birds may snip off newly planted tomatoes at the base (and then leave the plant laying there – go figure!!!) And let’s not even mention the damage that ground hogs, raccoons, deer and other wildlife can cause.
Solomon’s reference to foxes ruining the vineyards when the vines are blooming is a reminder that whenever there is promise of new fruit and new life, the wild critters arrive to feast and destroy.
The Promise of New Life
I’ve experienced a lot of new life in the past twelve months. God is continuing to heal hurts and hangups from my past. He’s opened numerous doors that I wouldn’t have dreamed of, just 365 days ago. There are a lot of new blooms in the vineyard. Is it any wonder that “little foxes” of fear, worry, anxiety and doubt are trying to dominate my mind?
The Security of a Firm Foundation
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (Matthew 7: 24-25)
I have a choice as to whether my life is like a house of cards, or like a house solidly built on a rock. I can allow the wild animals of fear, worry, anxiety and doubt to gnaw away at the truth that God loves me, that He is at work in my life, that He has a plan for me. Or I can meet those destructive beasts with the weapons of truth.
And truth doesn’t change, because God doesn’t change. He does love me. He is working His good plan in my life. Christ Himself is the Rock which is my foundation (1 Corinthians 10:4).
Taking a Stand
Last night I was once again awake and feeling overwhelmed by everything. And like before, I was challenged to stand on the foundation of what Christ has done for me. I named everything that was bothering me, and simply added “Jesus, You died for this. You died for that.”
Eventually I relaxed. No circumstances had changed. But the truth that Jesus has paid the price for all the wrongs, injustices, failures, and effects of sin brought me back to the solid foundation I needed.
The storms and beasts of anxiety had to retreat when faced with Christ. And I’ve been reminded that the storms and beasts come when there is something worth stealing. That is an encouraging thought!
Where are you in this picture?
Is your life feeling like the proverbial house of cards? Do your emotions seem like animals of prey feasting on your thoughts and mind? Are you choosing to stand on the Foundation of Christ? With Him as your Rock, you will withstand the storm. The good fruit developing in your life won’t be stolen away away by wild beasts.
To read the rest of the “Overwhelmed” Series, click Part 1 and Part 2.
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