Devotionals by Dale O'Shields

Shakable or Unshakable?

On July 16, 2010 at about 5:00 a.m., the D.C. area experienced something unique. A small 3.6 magnitude quake rumbled through our region. While folks from other parts of the world are used to such tremors, our community isn’t. It was a bit disconcerting for most folks, and for some even frightening. My wife and I both felt and heard it. We couldn’t figure out what had happened, and only later learned that the shaking was the ground moving underneath us. It was a good reminder that the earth’s geology is unsettled and shifty — it is shakable. It can’t be counted on to stay in the same place. It is not totally reliable.

Unfortunately there are lots of people who are like this in character. In times of temptation, pressure, or through the negative influence of others, they shift, move, shake and rumble. Under these forces they question or dismiss their commitments, and compromise their attitudes and behaviors. They lose their solidity and stability of heart.

One of the qualities God wants us to develop is an unshakable spirit. It is something that is highly valued by Him, and something that makes us more useful in His Kingdom.

According to the dictionary, “unshakable” means, “something or someone that cannot be moved, dislodged, swayed, rocked, rattled, agitated or mixed up.” It is “to refuse to doubt, waver or totter.”

One of the words the Bible uses for “unshakable” is “steadfast.”

Take a look at the value God places on us having a steadfast spirit:

“Jotham grew powerful because He walked steadfastly before the Lord.” — 2 Chronicles 27:6 (NIV)

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” — Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

Why is an unshakable, steadfast spirit so important? There are certain things that will never be settled and healthy in us unless we develop it.

An unshakable spirit is essential for:

Building a strong marriage.

Maintaining spiritual integrity in a world that seeks to pull us away from God.

Staying with the commitments and assignments God gives us.

Growing our relationships with others.

Making it through tough times and difficult situations.

What about you? Are you shakable or unshakable? What happens when temptation, pressure and the negative influence of others pull and push you? Do you shift and compromise your commitments? Do you cave in and give way, or do you hold fast to God’s Word and will?

Let’s ask God to help us develop an unshakable spirit!

Dale O'Shields

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