Saturday, July 23, 2011

Sending Down Deeper Roots

Just as the clearing was coming into view, another obstacle entered in. Ted is back in the hospital and our routine is anything but normal. Behind on sleep and overwhelmed at times, I press on to the priorities in life. I know that God is in control and that He equips me for all that He calls me to. I struggle but hold on, realizing He must be taking us deeper. And for that I can be thankful.

When I feel that I am not enough, I try to remember that He is. I am to trust in the Lord with all my heart and I am not to lean on my own understanding. (Prov. 3:5-6 NIV) What does this trusting look like?

Last night I was refreshed by the words of Jeremiah the prophet, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out is roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." (Jer. 17:7-8 NIV)

When I had opened my Bible in the middle of the night, a card fell out that Ted and I had prepared together several summers ago to lead devotions when camping with our friends in the Sylvania Wilderness. Interesting that it was six years ago to the day (on Sunday) that we had shared this devotion together.

It brought back memories of canoeing in the pristine waters and hiking amongst towering trees on mossy earth, spongy from years of a naturally rejuvenating forest. We had gathered the dozen adventurous campers around a crackling campfire for a time of Sunday morning fellowship. We talked about the above verse, discussed how a tree illustrates trusting, and explored what is involved in sending out roots. It was one of those sweet spiritual conversations I have treasured among close friends. Just as we were wrapping up our devotional time, someone looked up and noticed six bald eagles circling in the clearing overhead! Overflowing with thankfulness, we watched them for quite awhile.

It refreshed me as I thought of how that devotion is just as relevant today. "Just as we have received Christ Jesus as Lord, we continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as we were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." (Col. 2:6-7 NIV)

When times are tough, it calls for deeper roots. I envision sinking my roots deep into the stream of Living Water, abiding in Him, trusting in Him to make my path straight.

How can we strengthen our "roots" today?

Dear Lord, Creator of the vast heavens and everything lovely on earth, you make all things beautiful in your time and we will put our hope and trust in you.

3 comments:

  1. Marilyn your words are always moving. No doubt God is putting them into your heart as He did with me when we fought our grief and then cancer. He surely sends the verses too we need just as we need them. He sent the three eagles to show you the Trinity as well was there in your fellowship. WOW! What he has done in your life!
    We won't understand all the pain until we see Him in realms of clearer light. And until then all we can do is give Him the glory! Know He is there and follow.
    Love you. Pray for you. Wishing you great peace as you journey.
    Hugs, Cindy Kapla

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  2. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. I met you at Ladies Breakaway in Chilton this past Spring. I have been following your blog. I understand the life changing that happens when a spouse becomes disabled. As my husband is disabled now. We have felt God's hands sift through the things he has allowed in our life to strengthen us too. It is quite a journey but with Christ on our side we know everything will work out for our good.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Rejoice always,
    Catherine
    Http://catherinemariecalvetti.com

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  3. Catherine, I have been thinking of you, too; I remembered that your journey was similar, from what you had shared that day. How sweet that God had us meet each other to encourage one another. :-)

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