Stability

Over the years I have lived through a number of typhoons... (in Hong Kong) and some big storms in Australia. As I've observed the aftermath of these, especially great fallen trees, I never ceased to be amazed at the shallow root system these big trees have which is why they are so vulnerable to high winds.

There are 2 main types of root systems for plants and for trees.  They are tap root and fibrous roots and most of us have learned about these in our nature study classes in primary school.  The big oak trees that stand for sometimes hundreds of years have tap roots but others like the eucalypts in Australia have shallow fibrous roots that can't withstand a lot of pressure.

So what would make me want to write about them here you may ask.  Because they speak about stability and in our very unstable world I think trees have a lesson we can learn. Unlike trees, we, as people, get to choose what kind of root system (or foundation) we have in our lives.  That will depend upon where we put our confidence and trust.  Many people, probably the majority, put their confidence in their own abilities, knowledge or money.  They feel no need to look elsewhere for strength and support.  Others of us have learned that we cannot trust in ourselves, possessions, knowledge or even people, who can let us down when we most need them; so we have turned to the one who can give us stability in the toughest times and peace in the midst of life's storms.

Listen to what Jeremiah 17:7-8 says....

“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD

and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.

They are like trees planted along a riverbank,

with roots that reach deep into the water.

Such trees are not bothered by the heat

or worried by long months of drought.

Their leaves stay green,

and they never stop producing fruit."

This speaks of a blessing for those who trust in God rather than in themselves or others.

They will have water in drought so won't be bothered when the heat comes.

On the other hand, a person who chooses the fibrous roots system....trusting in many things rather than centering their trust in God alone will not have the same confidence.  In fact the consequence is more dire..... Jeremiah 17: 5-6

This is what the LORD says:

“Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans,

who rely on human strength

and turn their hearts away from the LORD.

They are like stunted shrubs in the desert,

with no hope for the future.

They will live in the barren wilderness,

in an uninhabited salty land.

As we head into this new year I see only an increase in the distress of nations and uncertainty of what the future holds.  When I look at what has happened even in the past 2 months in natural disasters, and what we are told may happen with multiple volcanoes threatening eruption; the mountains of rubbish and floating masses of waste kilometres long and wide in oceans; refugees

numbering millions and the problem of feeding and housing them, I see that only God has an answer to our problems.  I pray that you will decide to put your trust in Him who is the one who gives peace and hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

Prayer:  God forgive me for trusting in my own strength, abilities, assets and people.  Help me to have the wisdom to put my trust in you and grow strong roots to give my life stability and purpose. Amen