Firmly Rooted

Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall!
My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me.
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:19-23

Bent and bowed down, but rooted firmly, an aged coastal tree prevails. It’s shape and color have been altered by years of unrelenting wind, nevertheless, it clings to the precipice above the turbulent Pacific. Though formed and shaped by events it cannot control, it does not move.

Adversities in my life have shaped and altered me. Certain dreams and ambitions have blown away and I find myself reluctantly closing the door on what I thought were marvelous possibilities.

Who will remember what I have endured? "My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me." The memories of hurt and suffering never go away. Like scars that remain from a physical injury there are and will be soul scars resulting from what blew my way.

But, Jesus also remembers my suffering! His suffering makes him intimately acquainted with my hurt. He responds by loving me, steadfastly. I press in to the Rock. Despite the winds the Rock does not move. Taking my own actions to move away from the storm will mean letting go of that which keeps me safe. Pressing in, digging my roots deeper I feel the Rock’s strength. The steadfastness of the Rock is my only hope of survival. I will not move.

Jesus, I feel bent and bowed down, overwhelmed by the
storms that rip at me. Help me to accept the strength
of your steadfast love. Your mercy is my hope.
Your love is my rock. Your faithfulness is my foundation.
AMEN.