Let me start the week by asking the question what underpins you?
I have to confess that when I go over a bridge which has water underneath and there is a very high drop, I’m not the best person to be in the car with! I just cannot wait till we get to the other side. Fortunately, I’ve never had to stop in the middle of a bridge as that really would freak me out. Of course, I’m sure the bridge itself is very safe because the real safety of the bridge cannot be seen.
That’s what I’d like to talk about today, you see it’s not on the outside that really counts and as I say for the bridge, what counts is what you cannot see.
For instance, the Brooklyn Bridge remains a major transportation crossing in New York City today. It has lasted 142 years and the reason is not how good it looks on the outside but the fact that the chief engineer and his construction team did their most patient and daring work where no one could see it; on the foundations of the towers below the waterline.
It is an illustration of an ageless principle that works in our lives too. It is down below the waterline that determines whether our lives stand the test of time and challenge. Your work is called worship, which consists of devotion and spiritual discipline. It is done in quiet, where no one but God sees. Jesus himself told us something about being alone with God when we pray. Listen to what He says.
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.
Matthew 6:6-7
There is something about building our lives in the secret place. Taking time out with God is vital for underpinning your life.
I try to do a 5-minute silence, followed by the word and prayer. If possible I end by listening to some soft music for a reflection. This does take time and finding that place where no one is for that amount of time does require an effort.
The biggest distraction of course is my phone, watch or iPad, as they are all coupled together and through modern technology they all go off at the same time, which is very distracting. So I find the answer is to turn them all off, which probably takes more effort than my actual study!
What we build our foundations on is really important. Therefore no one will be surprised when I ask you to consider building your life on Jesus.
How is it done? When you present your private life, public life and personal life to God. Daniel did that as we see in chapter 6 but more on that as the week goes on.
The Brooklyn bridge has lasted 145 years and you can go across it today in security knowing that it will take you to the other side. I could be convinced I suppose being the sceptic I am when it comes to crossing bridges but the question I leave you with is spiritually what is going to see you through till you reach the other side?
Today why not find that secret place and start to underpin your life on Jesus.
Stay safe and Blessed.