Sure Thing: 3-Day Devotional With Hillsong UNITEDSample

SURE THING

Part One: The World Gone Mad

“Lead me to the Rock

‘Cause I need something higher”

—Sure Thing

Darkness. Chaos. Uncertainty. The path our lives follow can be assailed and ambushed by times that we wish we could avoid. One moment we could be walking through a sunlit pasture, only the next moment to be precariously clinging for dear life on the cliffside as storms rage unrelentingly around us. Sometimes the madness and tumult emerge from within, like unwanted weeds bursting through the pavement. Other times, the maelstrom of the world around overpowers us, ripping the breath from our lungs, leaving us gasping for air. Since the fall of humanity, this has been our experience.

Daniel, a person of integrity, was dragged from a palace and thrown to the lions. Job, who lived righteously, had all he loved ripped away in a matter of hours, leaving him reeling from the blow. Paul and Silas, while serving God, endured a grimy prison cell, simply for healing a man in the name of Jesus. David, a man who loved God was usurped by his own son and fled for his very life. These people experienced darkness and grief that could have been the end of their faith, hope, or peace. On their worst day, they had a hope that was foolish and simple—they trusted that the God they served was an immovable rock who they could hold on to. Their King who ruled over all kings determined the outcome, not men. Their Deliverer was mighty to save and cared for them amid the uncertain situations they were in. He was their Light in the darkness—their fortress in the tempest.

When David found himself in the mess and fray, he knew he could find grace for his mistakes and peace through the storm. In Psalm 40, he says of God, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” We can trust in the Lord forever because He is a sure rock to stand on. In the chaos, we can find peace and comfort in Him. When everything is crashing around you, you can say like David, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2)

Reflection & Application:

Take a minute to pause and quiet your mind. Think about this—all these people we spoke about endured extremely difficult situations, but they all put their faith in God, their rock. The storms of life came, and although they endured incredible heartache, they kept their integrity and, in the end, they were all restored. What does it look like for you to put your faith in God today? Write down the thing that represents the storm, lion’s den, fiery furnace, or loss that you’re facing and choose today that you will stand firmly on Jesus, the Rock of your salvation through this challenge.

Prayer:

Dear God, You are my Rock. I need You today. I pray that Your hand will protect and guide me as I come and go. Despite the chaos and madness of the world, I choose to build my life on Your Word and put my faith in You. Please restore to me the joy of my salvation and give me strength and grace for this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.