When a furious storm assaults the land, like a tornado, or a hurricane, one thing people do not want to see is the loss of power. I remember this happening to us a few times. In the aftermath of one storm, we lost power for several days. That experience occurred when cell phones were nonexistent.
The power loss meant loss of phone connection with friends and loved ones, danger of losing refrigerated food, using flashlights and occasional candles in the dark, concern over the basement's sump pump not working, and waiting... for the power to return.
When a storm hits, do all you can to stay connected to your power source. This principle holds today, as we are experiencing an ungodly trinity of storms - pandemic, economic panic, and pandemonium in the streets of some of our cities.
In these physical and cultural storms, stay connected to Jesus. Reinforce your attachment to Him.
It's in life's storms that we discover how branch-like we are.
Be branches, connected to Jesus, the true Vine. In John 15 Jesus instructs His disciples with these words.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches.
If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;
apart from me you can do nothing.
6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch
that is thrown away and withers;
such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit,
showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Note that Jesus does not add this qualification: WARNING: IN THE STORMS OF LIFE THIS WON'T WORK.
Today is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. This has not changed. Rejoicing attaches me to Jesus.
I begin the day with opening the Book. For months now I've been starting with the book of Proverbs. As I read the Word, it attaches me to Jesus.
I am praying this morning. This is my habit. Praying is talking with God about what He and I are doing together. Today. Praying is intimate conversation with God. In praying, I strengthen the connection with Him.
God is a strong tower. He still stands. God is an anchor. The anchor still holds. God is a tree that shall never be uprooted.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters,
stand firm.
Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,
because you know that your labor in the Lord
is not in vain.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
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See also: Stay Focused.
