We live on the Saginaw Bay, where our shore is lined with oak trees. The winds are often crazy coming off the water. It doesn't take long into the fall season for the wind to blow the leaves off the trees, leaving them bare for the long winter months ahead.
Yet, every year this young oak (pictured) holds it's leaves throughout the long winter. They won't drop until spring when the new leaves start popping out. It's the only tree in the yard with it's leaves still in tact. In fact, there is another tree only twenty feet from this one; you can see it to the right. I imagine you can guess why this tree still has it's leaves securely attached. If you guessed that it is protected, you are correct. If I were to take a picture of the tree from the other direction, you would see just how close it is to our house.
I can't help but connect this tree to our lives. Are you staying close, connected, and protected by our Heavenly Father? When we look around at people, we can often tell those who are leaning into the Father. Those soaking in the nourishment the Savior provides. Those seeking shelter under His wings.
As Christians, we still have winds blow into our lives. We still have the rain pelt against us. We still have storm clouds surround us. And yet, the difference is, we have the ability to stay close, connected, and protected by the Father. We can immerse ourselves in His Word, soaking in all that He desires to pour into us. We can stay connected to Him through prayer and through other Christians who support us. We can seek His protection and shelter, allowing Him to give us the strength we need during the winds of the world.
I pray today you choose to be like this young oak that finds it's protection from the house. Choose to not lose your leaves in the wind, snow, and blizzards that are most certainly going to attempt to strip you. Stand strong and firm in the storm, with the confidence and peace that you are standing in the strength of the Lord. He's got you! Lean in, Friends. Soak in His Word. Lean into your prayer times. Receive strength from other Christians. And stand firm in the shadow of the Lord's protection. I pray the scriptures below soak into your heart and give you strength today.
You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Misty Cramer is an author & speaker who recently released her first book. The Every Day God, 40 Daily Devotions for Walking with God through Everyday Moments, quickly made its way to Amazon's #1 New Release and Best Seller lists in multiple categories. In this book, she authentically shares everyday moments that we all experience and connects them to encouraging life lessons. Each day also includes scripture and a prayer. She has been married to Todd for 39 years and has five adult sons. While they enjoy their time as "empty nesters" in rural Michigan, they also love visits from their sons, two daughters-in-law, and two granddaughters. Misty sends out a monthly devotion as part of her newsletter, and she'd love to send it along to you. The link to subscribe to the devotion, as well as the link to Misty's book can be found below:
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