Unshaken in Christ
Through trusting in God, we can achieve a state of inner calm and stability, even in the midst of turmoil and trouble.
Charles E. Cowman preaches on the steadfastness and immovability that comes from having God in the midst of our lives. Drawing inspiration from Psalms 46:2, 3, 5, he emphasizes the possibility of reaching a place where nothing can disturb our peace, just like the Apostle Paul who was unshaken by trials. By allowing God to work in us, we can experience a peace that surpasses understanding, remaining unmovable in the face of life's challenges.
Text
"God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early"
(Ps. 46:2, 3, 5)
"Shall not be moved"--what an inspiring declaration! Can it be possible that we, who are so easily moved by the things of earth, can arrive at a place where nothing can upset us or disturb our calm? Yes, it is possible; and the Apostle Paul knew it. When he was on his way to Jerusalem where he foresaw that "bonds and afflictions" awaited him, he could say triumphantly, "But none of these things move me." Everything in Paul's life and experience that could be shaken had been shaken, and he no longer counted his life, or any of life's possessions, dear to him. And we, if we will but let God have His way with us, may come to the same place, so that neither the fret and tear of little things of life, nor the great and heavy trials, can have power to move us from the peace that passeth understanding, which is declared to be the portion of those who have learned to rest only on God.
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God; and he shall go no more out." To be as immovable as a pillar in the house of our God, is an end for which one would gladly endure all the shakings that may be necessary to bring us there! --Hannah Whitall Smith
When God is in the midst of a kingdom or city He makes it as firm as Mount Zion, that cannot be removed. When He is in the midst of a soul, though calamities throng about it on all hands, and roar like the billows of the sea, yet there is a constant calm within, such a peace as the world can neither give nor take away. What is it but want of lodging God in the soul, and that in His stead the world is in men's hearts, that makes them shake like leaves at every blast of danger?
--Archbishop Leighton
"They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever." There is a quaint old Scottish version that puts iron into our blood:
"Who sticketh to God in stable trust
As Zion's mount he stands full just,
Which moveth no whit, nor yet doth reel,
But standeth forever as stiff as steel!"
Sermon Outline
- I. The Unshakeable Nature of God
- A. God's presence brings stability and peace
- B. God's help is available in times of trouble
- II. The Possibility of Being Unshaken
- A. It is possible to arrive at a place of inner calm
- B. The Apostle Paul's experience is a model for us
- III. The Importance of Trusting in God
- A. Trusting in God brings stability and peace
- B. The world cannot give or take away God's peace
Key Quotes
“Shall not be moved--what an inspiring declaration!” — Charles E. Cowman
“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God; and he shall go no more out.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Who sticketh to God in stable trust As Zion's mount he stands full just, Which moveth no whit, nor yet doth reel, But standeth forever as stiff as steel!” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- You can achieve a state of inner calm and stability by trusting in God and letting Him have His way with you.
- Surrendering your life to God is a key step in trusting in Him more fully.
- Spending time with God in prayer and Bible study can help you deepen your trust in Him.