Holding on to a falling tree

This past Wednesday was a beautiful day. Warm, sunny and beautiful. We spent the better part of the day outside just enjoying the weather. But as the afternoon turned into evening it suddenly started to get darker. The clouds closed in over us so thick that we just knew there was a storm brewing to the west. The darkness hovered for quite sometime before the winds came. By this point, me and my family were all safely tucked into our home to ride it out.

First it began to rain, then the winds came. And not just wind, but straight-line winds. Have you ever experienced this kind of wind? Where gusts hit up to about 65 MPH? It’s pretty awesome to see that kind of power blow through your neighborhood!

As I stood and watched out my front door, I saw the huge, almost 100 year old tree bowing in the strong wind.

Right before my eyes, I saw the air take that 65 foot tree and pull it out of the ground by the roots! The sound it made as it cracked into the ground made my house shake. It was completely powerful, and made me feel helpless in that second when I wondered which way it was going to fall.

Once it crashed to the ground, I was relieved to see it layed itself nicely across both driveways and yard of our house and our next door neighbors. No cars crushed, no houses broken. It could have been much worse, as it was in other places all over our city.

Sometimes the mighty will fall

When I looked at this majestic old tree laying flat on the ground it reminded me of something. This tree was huge, and it shielded my house from the direct southern sun. It shaded us in the summer. In the winter it held snow on it’s branches and brightened up the sky on the dreary days. It was so big and so strong, I never thought I’d see the day when a gust of wind would send it toppling over!

So often we see the idols in our lives as I saw that big tree. Maybe it’s the government that you count on to protect you. Maybe you feel safe when the politician of your choice is in the White House. Maybe you feel sheltered and secure when you have a job. I could go on and on, but my point is this:

When we put our faith in something other than God, no matter how big and strong it is, it can fail you.

 “Grass withers and flowers fade when the Lord sends the wind blowing over them. People are no more enduring than grass.

 Yes, grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:7-8

As quickly as that mighty tree fell in front of me, the people and things we put our hope and security in can fall, too. We need to focus our hearts on God, beacuse he is the only sure thing we can rest in.
 

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” Psalm 188:9

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10

“Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” Proverbs 16:20

When the storms of your life are blowing through, where is your strength? Are you holding on to the mighty tree, hoping it can help you withstand the wind? Or are you putting your life in the one who has already saved you?

 
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One Response

  1. Dear Angie,
    Thank you for this devotional. It blessed me more than I can say. I am having cataract surgery on Tuesday and I am a fearful wreck. All of the scriptures you sited were perfect for me at this time. I am going to read them all again and again. If you read this before Tuesday would you please pray for me that I will release my fear at the feet of Jesus, and remember those scripture verses. Thank you. Many blessings,
    Sherrie.

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