Steady through the storm

I’ll be honest, the storms we experienced last week ruined my weekend. Had shoots cancelled, trains heavily delayed and my whole schedule thrown off. Eunice really tried it. But in the midst of the storm, I had some thoughts…… (as per usual).

Storms are almost destructive by nature, with large winds putting pressure on any articles that it comes into contact with. Whilst Eunice was wreaking havoc, I noticed some objects were moved, crushed or destroyed. Others remained still and it was in this stillness that my thoughts were stimulated, mentally connecting their ability to withstand with mine. 

The ability to withstand

Whilst some, less rooted, things were uprooted there remained an ineffable tranquillity in a certain tree that I observed. It remained planted. Even as large gusts hit against its bark, no movement. And of course because it's a tree its formidable stature was as expected, but adjacent to it an artificial tree of similar magnitude laid destitute, completely crushed. Prior to the storm, both these trees ostensibly displayed similar outward projections, but what caused one to stand and the other to fall was the rooting/foundation, or the lack thereof. What is the connection to the human disposition…..

A steadiness 

Analogous to the tree, there needs to be a steadfastness about ourselves. One that is unwavering and immovable, as the wind blows. Just like the tree, this stems from your roots. How deep are your roots? There exists a knowing of self, that is required to stand. A firm foundation. Even in architecture, foundations are vital for the durability of the building that's erected. In an ever-changing culture where trends come and go, I genuinely believe it's vital that we have things about us that are simply immovable. Things that aren't blown along with the times, but stay steadfast as the current of culture endeavours to sweep us along. What's incorrigible about your character? By this I mean what are simply traits and characteristics that remain constant about you. Even as things change and people change, what remains the same? Standards that you don't compromise on. 

Thought: Throughout scripture, we see the imagery of humans described as trees. In Jeremiah 17:7-8, we see by virtue of the tree’s roots being by the stream that there’s no fear of external changes in condition. Further, in Mark 4:17, we hear of those who fall away in times of trouble simply because they have no root. 

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?

Undoubtedly, there are turbulent times in life and honestly, being deeply rooted aids us in that ability to remain. To close, as I wrote this I thought of a hymn we used to sing in church (back in the good old days ayy, as the ‘more seasoned’ would say.) The chorus goes:

“We have an anchor that keeps the soul

steadfast and sure while the billows roll;

fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!

That's how I want to end this week's post, “Grounded firm and deep in the saviour love.” Hope you enjoyed it and please do comment your thoughts.

NYA