In the newspaper today, I read an article that once again pointed me to the Great God I serve. In the article titled Trees survive another storm,” the writer describes hundreds of oak trees that survived Hurricane Katrina.
Here’s part of the article: It’s not by accident that live oaks survived Katrina. “Nature has designed them to withstand high winds and coastal storms,” Benton said. Live oaks have an extensive root system that goes well beyond the “drip line” or width of the limbs. The roots help keep the trees upright.
Dare I correct Benton and say “God” designed them that way, not “nature.”
While reading this article, one of my favorite Scriptures came to mind, Isaiah 61. The whole chapter is wonderful, but I’ll jump to verse 3. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
In the Bible, God uses the visual of His people being like trees over and over. Oak trees, in particular, are known for their strength and strong root systems. I love this. Isn’t this encouraging to know that when the storms of life come, we, like the oak tree, will survive.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, its leaves are always green.
So if you’re in hurricane winds and rains right now—trust in the Lord. Remember your roots in Him are stronger and deeper than you think. He will keep you upright and will not let you fall.
God has designed you to withstand life’s storms.
(c) 2005 Tiffany Stuart
Words of hope–how we all need them–a reminder that God’s desire is for us to flourish, to be rooted deeply in His love for us.
I also like Psalm 1… which talks about the righteous being a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season… however, I really do like the “oak”… never thought of that before. Keep writing, you have great writing talent!