Still Standing – Devotion 7

I don’t know about you, but some days I feel beat down, defeated, and deflated.  It is as if the world has turned against me and I am simply seeking shelter.  Even when I feel like I am doing the right thing, am on the right track, and finding the right pace, I get tripped.  Something happens that makes it seem as the ceiling is falling in and I just want to curl into a ball to keep from getting hurt any more.  Maybe you have felt that way when you have lost a loved one.  It could be that you heard the diagnosis that would forever change your life.  You could have lost your job or heard devastating news that starts your world spinning faster than an out of control merry go round.  You don’t know where to turn, you don’t know what to do, and you aren’t sure how to even take the next breath.  The wind has been knocked out of you and you just want to retreat.

It just might be that God has been preparing us for just a time as this.  When we are faithful and obedient to following God, he has a way of planting us firmly right where he wants us.  He has a way of ensuring that we are deeply rooted so that when the storms come, we will not be moved.  We may be shaken, but we are right where we need to be.  We may lose our leaves, but we will not lose our foundation.  God is caring for us and protecting us even in the middle of all of life’s challenges.

Where is your foundation?  Where are you planting roots?  Are you allowing God to work in and through you to prepare you for the storms ahead?  He knows exactly what you need and what is to come.  May he plant you deep in the waters so you will withstand all that is ahead.

Focus Scripture:

Psalm 1:1-3

¹ Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
² but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
³ They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery