Rooted

I am so amazed by God's creation on a daily basis. He created so many wonderful things to enjoy in so many ways. But life moves so fast that sometimes it's easy to not pay attention and see the amazing things he gives us.

I've found myself recently looking at the trees that surround my house. Today, especially, was quite the sight to see. You see, it was incredibly windy. The wind was whipping the trees around, shaking leaves off, and creating such a great mess.

But the trees did not fall.

The trees are deeply rooted. And even trees with shallower roots are designed by God to grow in groups together so that they hang on to each other to prevent a tree from falling in a storm.

This is such a visual to me, especially as I walk through the storm of postpartum depression.

God gave me the opportunity to grow roots into Him and His Word. The time I spend with Him daily roots me to him. The time I spend in church, learning about Him, and praising Him in worship roots me to Him. The time I spend at home in worship, teaching my kids about Him roots me to Him.

Paul tells us in Colossians, "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

When I'm rooted to Him, even if I'm struggling through a storm--any storm--I won't fall. My roots have grown into Him and he will help hold me up.

In those moments when I am struggling to find my roots--maybe I am not able to read my Bible as much (because, motherhood), or maybe the lies are louder than the truth, or maybe things are just foggy from hormones, I also have a group to help me hang on to Him.

I am part of a community that reminds me of His love, His care, His faithfulness. A group who will pray for me, encourage me, help me.

This is not by accident, but all designed by God.

Just like those trees that didn't fall in the storm.

I'm very aware that some trees do fall in storms. But it makes me all the more aware that disease or lack of support is often the cause for that. And that encourages me more to stay rooted to Christ, to stay in community, to keep my roots as healthy as possible.

God didn't do these things by accident. And I'm so grateful to live in a place where He helps me to see these connections. Especially on nights where the storm feels threatening.