Life-Changing Joy
Anchored in God is the goal we should have. As we continue through our current Proverbs sermon series, we’re going to be reminded that the Bible is chock-full of wisdom for everyone of every age. This wisdom is not just in the Book of Proverbs alone; it is woven throughout the entire Bible, weaving its way through the stories, teachings, and parables. Proverbs in particular serves as a cornerstone, with its wisdom echoing throughout the Scriptures, guiding us wisely in the right way to live.
A group of students recently returned from an incredible week at camp where they discovered the abundance of God’s love and became immersed in His wisdom, experiencing His presence in profound and life-changing ways. Many went on to be baptized, a joy to be celebrated by all Christians.
A Week of Transformation
Tyler, our Worship leader, shared how throughout the week, the students engaged in many activities designed to deepen their faith and understanding of God’s Word. Everyone sang songs that resonated deeply with them, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual growth. One song, in particular, stood out: “Good Plans.” This worship song encapsulates the theme of being “Anchored in God” which encourages the youth in their faith and gave them hope for the future as a dedicated follower of Jesus.
The lyrics of “Good Plans” remind all of us of a fundamental truth: when we build our lives on the rock which is Jesus, and we trust in God with our whole hearts, we are anchored in Him. We won’t be so easily led astray if we are securely attached to Him and His truth. This theme is rooted in the teachings of Jesus who emphasized the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation. In Matthew 7:24-25, Jesus says:
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Trusting in God’s Plans, His Truth is Our Anchor
The Bible camp experience reinforced the idea that when we anchor our lives in God, we can also trust that His plans for us are good. This doesn’t mean that life will always go according to our plans or that we won’t face challenges or pain. Instead, it means that God’s plans, though maybe different from our own, are ultimately for our eternal good and His glory.
Jeremiah 29:11 beautifully captures this promise: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Although that scripture was written for the Israelites, the essence of that promise is still applicable to all believers as well, for God does want good things for us.
The young people at camp saw this truth come to life. Students shared testimonies of how God had spoken to them, providing clarity and direction for their lives. They learned to surrender their own plans and trust in God’s perfect timing and wisdom, to be anchored in His word. This act of surrender is a powerful step of faith, one that allows us to experience the fullness of God’s love and provision. This is an important step especially for the young to establish early in their walk of faith.
Building on the Rock
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse calls us to a life of complete trust and dependence on God. It challenges youth and adults alike to let go of their own understanding and to submit to His will. When we do this, we can be confident that He will guide us and make our paths straight. This is critical in a world where our children are pulled in many directions that lead away from God.
Prayer
Tyler led us in prayer with this though: “Father, we thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word and for the transformative experiences we’ve had at camp. We surrender our plans and desires to You. Help us to trust in Your good plans and to build our lives on the rock that is Jesus Christ. Guide us and direct us in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”
Moving Forward Anchored in God’s Word
As we move forward, let’s carry the lessons our youth learned at camp. Let’s remain anchored in God, trusting in His good plans, and building our lives on the solid foundation of His Word. May we continue to seek His wisdom and guidance in all that we do, knowing that He is faithful and has a purpose for our lives if we are willing to follow Him. This includes purpose for our children and teens who God can use powerfully among their peers, at school, at home, and in the community.
In the weeks and months ahead, let’s encourage our young people to stay anchored in God’s Word and to live out the wisdom they have received. As parents and as a church family, let’s be sure to support and encourage students to find their gifts and to help them use those gifts for God’s kingdom. Let’s celebrate them as they try new ministries, when they succeed, and especially when they stumble. They are God’s next generation of Christ followers, and together, we can face the challenges of life with confidence knowing that we are anchored in the unchanging love and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.
Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to join us in this Sunday. Together, we can experience God’s Grace and share the love of Jesus with those around us.
