The Rock of Life

We have all heard the parable of two people, one built their house on sand, and the other on rock. Of course, when the inevitable storms came one house stood and the other fell.

Humanity has two kinds of people who live and experience two different realities. Most Americans have more credit card debt than savings . – For various reasons these people live month by month. Any unforeseen circumstance can ruin them. – Their situation makes it impossible to plan beyond the immediate.

Others have taken a deliberate and conscientious path for their lives. They devised a plan, set goals, and practiced patience in that pursuit, never taking the easy path or the one most travelled by. They built a secure and stable life for themselves and loved ones. – Their lives are a manifestation of perseverance and wisdom.

But financial security and possessing an abundance to buffer the possibility of unforeseen poverty, remarkably does not noticeably increase the contentment and happiness more than those who are less fortunate.

Studies have shown that money can contribute to happiness up to a certain point, but beyond that additional wealth does not necessarily lead to greater happiness. -- In truth, social support and personally fulfilling relationships have been found to have a stronger correlation with overall happiness than wealth.

The happiest people on earth exhibit traits such as love, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and a willingness to serve others around them. – We cannot all be rich or even financially secure. But we can experience joy by serving others than ourselves.

Most importantly, studies show that people who have faith in God report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Belief and trust in the power that created all we see who cares about us personally, in good times and bad, is a huge bolster to our endurance and patience. – And it permits us to even feel joy in the midst of hardships because we have faith in a God who loves us and will get us through any trial we face.

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

????I have called you by name; you are mine.

When you go through deep waters,

????I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,

????you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

????you will not be burned up;

????the flames will not consume you.

For I am the?Lord, your God, your Savior.” (Isaiah)

Mark Baird