An Unchanging Stronghold

I've never been one to feel comfortable in group settings; being quiet and kinda shy has always been an insecurity of mine growing up and still is something I struggle with. There are few people that I feel comfortable enough to be myself around. It's nice to know that my Creator is one of those whom I can be myself with. I don't have to pretend to have it all-together. I don't have to act like I'm okay. I don't have to hold back the pain. I don't have to describe how I'm feeling, because He understands. But there are times I get too caught up in people's opinions of me and I begin to rely on things for satisfaction and I forget that God's opinion is the only one that truly matters.

Throughout our everyday interactions it's easy to begin relying on things and people that we treasure. We become attached, and sometimes we begin to love them more than God. We seek their approval and indulge in the happiness we receive from them. The drawback to finding happiness and pleasure in people and material things is that they change. Things change. Things let us down. People fail us and they don't always know what is best for us.

Sometimes I begin relying on so many other things rather than putting my reliance in God. I seek approval from people, I find happiness in feeling accepted and I take pleasure in material possessions. Sometimes the more and more we get involved with the world, God begins to get pushed aside and we lose focus. How many times I've put people's thoughts of me over what God's thoughts of me are. I try to please them (and me) more than God.

I want more to my life than personal satisfaction or popularity. I want to be remembered as someone who stood up for what she believed even when nobody else stood by her side. I want to bring honor and make God proud with the life I lead rather than seeking earthly approval.

When we rely too heavily on things here on this earth and we often grow discouraged when people, things and circumstances change. It's hard accepting changes when life was going good and then it took a hard turn. Often we don't realize just how much something took up a part of our life and how much we relied on things until they're gone. It's difficult entrusting the things you desire most in God's hands and knowing He will provide what you need in His timing. One thing that has always encouraged me when I'm experiencing changes and transitions in my life is to know that God will always be one thing I can count on that will never change. He won't ever have a day that He won't listen or understand. He won't forsake me. He won't ever leave me. He'll be by my side even through the darkest valley. He's always there.

If you're facing a difficult time and want something secure to hold onto, go to God. He is your rock and your stronghold. When everything is changing and falling apart around you, He remains. He will hold you and love you. His love endures forever and doesn't fade or falter depending on circumstances. Take a good look at your life and analyze how much you are relying on people and possessions, then compare that to your relationship with God. God is the one we should be relying on the most and using as our stronghold. The things of this world will pass away, but our relationship with God and what we did for Him will last forever!

I John 2:17

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.