Over the last two weeks, I have been diligently watering my three new maple trees! They are beautiful and I want to give them a good start on building a solid root system.

While the trees should grow tall and straight long-term, right now they look a little off-kilter. It has been fairly windy and lately, they are getting blown in every direction! Each tree has lost small areas of branches and leaves, due to the wind breaking them.

Over time, the weathering process will make them resilient. Though, it’s been a harsh recovery process after being transplanted! Every day, as I faithfully water and monitor them, I pray that God will protect the trees and make them strong.

From time to time, we can all feel wind-blown by life circumstances. Maybe it’s been it is a stressful week, month, or year. Maybe the current political drama or latest tragedy in the news has you worried or frightened. Maybe a storm is coming that is out of your control.

Distress. Discouragement. Discontent.

It can be tempting to give up hope when these trials come. “This isn’t fair. This isn’t what I expected!” Challenges are inevitable. Life isn’t always easy or comfortable. While we cannot control the wind (or outside circumstances), we are not left helpless!

Usually, what we see above ground does not provide a complete picture. Often, we don’t know how well we are growing until gale-force winds come. Then, we find out how strong our roots really are!

So how do we respond when fierce winds blow?

At times, I can focus on the wind (circumstances) or my own reaction (tossing to and fro). But complaining does no good. When I notice my insecurity rising, I take it as a reminder to quickly switch my attention off my problems and back to the Lord.

Jesus is well-versed in calming the wind! Peace! Be still!

Or, maybe you feel abandoned or neglected, never having solid roots to begin with. Well, Jesus is referred to as the Root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:10). He knows how to grow strong roots!

Whatever we are struggling with, we cannot defeat it on our own. But we can rest with confidence in the Lord’s ability to provide exactly what we need in His timing. He is trustworthy and makes us secure.

When the wind starts to howl, stand firm. If God is for us, who can be against us?

We can thrive even in tumultuous moments. Go deep with God. Seek Him. Learn from His word, the Bible. Ask Him to show you what to do. He’ll help you develop those roots!

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7).

Rooted. Built up. Strengthened. Overflowing with thankfulness.

Winds will change and bring new trials. New seasons also bring new opportunities. But God remains the same. Stay close to Him and He will see you through with grace!

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God, thank You for the hope and peace we have in You. Help us draw near to You in the midst of uncertainty. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What do you do when the winds of change pick up? Do you have a strong support system? (God, friends, family, etc.?)