Foundations

The word foundation is a very common word. It used to be a word usually associated with buildings and other related concepts, however these days, its uses are wide and varied.

There is a common thread between the definitions though.

The word ‘foundation’ is used in virtually any construct that requires involves layers or layering. The idea of the word ‘construct’ here refers to anything that is an aggregation of several things in order to achieve a whole.

[24] I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations.
[25] Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.

Psalms 102:24-25 (KJV)

In Hebrew, there are different words used that are often translated in English as a foundation. In verse above, the word used means to set. The idea here conveyed is that, of old, God set the earth. He set it in place. That setting in place in practice was expressed as the laying of a foundation.

Let’s take one more meaning and then we can put it all together.

[5] Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.
[6] Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.

Psalms 104:5-6 (KJV)

In this portion of Scripture, the word for foundation here means basis (you might simply say base).

So, when we think foundation, two concepts ought to help our thoughts; To set, and basis. If we put them together, we can go further and say: To build or lay a foundation means to set a basis.

What does this mean for us? Firstly, it means that this is an intentional and deliberate engagement. It is an active process. Foundations are not stuffs of legend, they have to be set in place.

Secondly, foundations serve as the basis for all that we are and do. Foundations are necessary requirements for expression, stability and longevity. We do not know how long ago the foundation of the earth was set. The Psalmist simply said of old. And yet the earth is still here today, a testament to it foundations. And you can tell what will happen when we operate without a foundation. We find that there is no basis for what we are doing or who we are becoming. So people act and function in a manner that has no basis, especially when it’s the observed theme for their lives.

Lastly, the idea of basis encompasses the seen and the unseen. Therefore, just as no one has ever seen the basis that was set for the earth, even so, the foundation for our lives has seen and unseen components.

What is our lives based on? Have we set in place the foundation of Faith in God through Christ? Have we set the foundation of Commitment to the Word of God as the Principle for living?

We have to set in place the basis. Let’s lay solid God-centered foundations.