Roots Exposed

The roots of our faith grow deep as we journey in our walk with Jesus.  With each passing year, the roots should grow deeper and stronger as they search for the "Living Water" that nourishes them and makes them take deeper root.  Life happens though...storms of disappointment, anger, disease, failure, shame, deceit, and struggle try to erode the foundation of our lives in Christ.  With each storm, the erosion has to be tended to, filled in, and rebuilt, otherwise the roots become exposed and vulnerable.  But no matter how many storms crash against our lives, our foundation is always secure in Christ Jesus.

"It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain."

(Isaiah 4:6)

Perception of His Light

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5)

The sun has not shown much over the past week.  God has blessed our region with beautiful snow that we don't usually get to enjoy.  More rain/sleet/snow in the forecast, so the sun will be hiding for days to come.  As I was driving home today, I caught a quick glimpse of the sun peeking behind the clouds.  There wasn't even enough light for it to cast a shadow on the ground, but it was a gentle reminder that it hasn't gone anywhere.

As Christ followers, there are times when we look at our lives, our circumstances, and our pain as a measuring stick to God's presence in our lives.  When we feel pain or are going through a particularly challenging season in our lives, it's easy to view God as not as close, or not shining brightly enough in our lives.

As I gazed at this picture, I see the clouds as our circumstances.  Many times we can't see the sun for the clouds, even though in our hearts we know that the sun is behind them.  I've heard, and have said myself, especially in the winter, that too many cloudy days send my spirit into a funk.  I need the sun!  Just as our physical bodies need Vitamin D, our spirits need Jesus!

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  (Hebrews 11:1)

The SON is always there...always...forever...the clouds are temporary, our circumstances, pain, and heartache are only for a moment.  Let's remind ourselves the focus on the Son, not the clouds.