Stability – Unshakable in an Unstable World

In a world of shifting morals, changing circumstances and fragile commitments, stability is a rare treasure. It is found not in the continually shifting views of society, but in the timeless truths of God's Word. This article explores how the unchanging character of God, a life built on Christ the rock, and steady everyday choices work together to make a believer firm, dependable and unshakable.

The God Who Does Not Change

Built on the Rock

It is futile building on unstable land – regardless of the care and attention given to the super-structure, unless it has a secure base it can all come to disaster. The extent of the foundation determines the size and stability of the structure that can be successfully built upon it, and its ability to stand, regardless of the severity of the storms (Mt 7:22-24). It is the storms that test the durability and steadfastness of our faith, so continually pay attention and strengthen the basis of your faith in Christ, for Satan endeavours to destabilize and bring ruin to whatever is of God. Life will present numerous challenges to test our resolve and tenacity to hold on to Christ, yet the storms should cause us to cling tighter, so with our choice and commitment we can declare, "Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken" (Ps 18:2, 62:2,6). While storms will challenge us, we can stand firm on Christ.

Stability in Everyday Life

Many valid, worthwhile opportunities and demands present themselves in everyday life, and we need divine wisdom as to where to invest time, effort and finance. Check your motives and the driving influences in your life, for if you are being pulled in too many directions and constantly over-extended, you need to say 'No' to some things.

Just as when our physical diet is lacking in certain minerals or vitamins this can affect our emotional and mental stability, so it is in other areas of our life – if they are out of balance it puts strain on another. When we are running on empty in one area, it quickly shows itself in another: wildly fluctuating moods, unpredictable and often unwarranted emotional responses, and a shortening temper with those around us are frequently the outward symptoms of an inward depletion, not simply a failure of willpower. After periods of intense pressure and activity we require time to regain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength, which is why God ordained one day of rest a week for recuperation (Ex 20:8-11).

As we each have different strengths and deficiencies, know and understand your weaknesses and vulnerable areas – the places where you need others to hold you accountable – and deliberately build that accountability into your life. Do this so those areas do not become the very places where you crumble under pressure or give way through temptation; a weakness acknowledged and guarded is a weakness that cannot take you by surprise. Remember, Satan is always on the lookout to gain the advantage over us, probing for the unguarded flank and striking where resistance is weakest (2 Cor 2:11; 1 Pet 5:8). What he cannot destroy outright, he will seek to destabilize – so invite trusted brothers and sisters to speak honestly into your life, and let their questions and encouragement become part of your defences.

See also: accountability, balance, consistent, dependable, emotions, faithful, foundation, motive/motivation, reliable, stand firm, stress, unstable, weakness.