When the hurricane rages (Part1)

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He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8 (ESV)

Stretch out the roots to the stream. Roots grow deep like branches, the crown upwards. Being firmly rooted only succeeds if there are enough roots and they take hold properly. But then it cannot be torn out so easily. Only then is it possible to produce good and many fruits. Only then is the crown full and can provide cooling shade.

Being founded in Christ. Being rooted in him and his word makes us steadfast and vital. Growing into Christ, becoming more like him, knowing him more and more, that is God's will. But we don't see this "growing in", it grows in secret, you can only see it in the effects. On the leaves, on the bark, on the roots, on the fruit.

Stretch out the roots to the stream. Sounds like "all inclusive", like "being able to drink your fill", not having any shortages, completely satisfied. SHALOM comes to mind.


1. Shalom

"Peace be upon you" is often understood as the absence of war, but in God's world it means: overall happiness, health and well-being of the individual and the community, successful life in successful relationships - with other people, with oneself and with God . Healing in all dimensions. The King of Peace in Psalm 72 gives us a glimpse of it.

A successful relationship with God is fundamental to all other relationships and affects all areas of life and society. This is only possible through SHALOM, where God is honored and his legal and order of life are lived.


2. Water of life

It reminds me of:

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:17 (ESV)

Or what Jesus said to a woman:

But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14 (ESV)


3. Difficulties

Heat, cold, wet, storms, a tree of justice fears not. It stretches its roots towards the stream. To the living water. To Jesus, the source of life.
 

The orientation is correct, so why should he worry? Replenishment and supply secured. Growth possible, leaves remain green. And it still bears fruit when everything around is barren from drought. He can pass on good things without interruption! Without interruption. Fantastic!

But how can this happen? In Psalms 1 we read almost the same words, but Jeremiah adds:

But blessed is the man that trusts in the LORD, and whose confidence is in the LORD.

Recipe for success: … rely on the Lord / … hope for God's help

Simply?

Definitely not. After all, we are human beings and actually very fickle on the inside.

Inconsistency has a lot to do with our feelings and past experiences, if they were rather negative then it becomes difficult to trust. But we shouldn't listen to them. Feelings are like the waves of the sea, impermanent, sometimes high, sometimes low. Driven by fear and worry, doubt and failure.

My good experiences are mainly based on good experiences with God. I dared once, once took the risk of being disappointed, but my trust was rewarded by God, he didn't let me down like the bible says. God held me. Kept his word. 

Trust is primarily based on the decision. If you want to trust God but can't, tell him and tell him why. Ask him to help you with this. He will reward your honesty and pick you up where you are.

Author: Gabriele Waechter
Pictures: https://pixabay.com/de