Stand Firm during the Storm
Elizabeth Brown of Augusta, GA, USA
So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God… -Ephesians 2:17-19
Every morning when I wake up, I thank God. I ask for his strength as I go to the swimming pool each day. Looking out through the big panel of windows at the pool, I see three trees that remind me of the body of Christ in the church.
In the springtime the leaves come out on the branches and provide a place for the birds to make their nests and rest. Eventually young birds leave their nest because they have been nurtured. The church is the same way. We go to church and we rest in the word of God that is spoken to us. Then we go out to tell others about God’s word, to comfort the broken, rejected, and lost, and to encourage others in this dark world.
The trees also give shade and protection from the elements. The trees stand firm through many storms. As believers in Christ we go through many storms in our lifetimes, too. We have the word of God that keeps us planted. We will not become uprooted if we keep standing in God’s word.
The body of believers give each other comfort when storms come into their lives. We can comfort each other during these storms. We know the storm is just passing as we meditate on the word of God and trust that God will not leave us. One thing we should know, the storm will not last forever. God is with us whether we are in or out of a storm. The body of Christ is made up of believers who accept Jesus as their savior. We are the body of Christ.
Prayer Phrase
God bless the spaces between us.
Spiritual Practice
Tears of Compassion
Offer a silent prayer for the gift of God’s compassion. Cup your hands and ask God to make you aware of the suffering that causes the Earth and its inhabitants to groan and weep. Be open to faces or places, sounds or voices, feelings of connection with those who suffer. Imagine catching the tears of those you see and holding them in your hands. Listen for prayer images or words God may give you. Discern any active responses of ministry or healing you sense invited to complete for those who weep.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
