ROOTED IN CHRIST: FINDING STRENGTH IN HIS PRESENCE
Life takes us through many seasons—some gentle and bright, others heavy with storm and shadow (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2; Psalm 23:4). Yet through them all, the strength of a believer never comes from the calmness of the weather, but from the depth of our roots in Jesus Christ (John 15:4–5; Colossians 2:6–7). Those who trust in the Lord are like trees planted by the waters, steadfast when others wither, fruitful when others faint (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:7–8).
A tree bends but does not break when its roots are deep. Faith is much the same. The winds of trial will come, but every storm drives us deeper into His grace (2 Corinthians 4:8–9; James 1:2–4). When we lean into Christ, His strength becomes our own. His presence steadies what fear would shake (Psalm 46:1–2; Isaiah 40:31).
Our lives are not random. God is shaping us with love in every detail (Romans 8:28; Philippians 1:6). The rough edges are being smoothed by mercy. The broken places are being healed by His hand. He is not trying to undo us—He is forming Christ within us (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Even when we cannot understand His ways, we can trust His heart (Proverbs 3:5–6).
To walk in righteousness is to walk in step with Jesus, the Light of the world (John 8:12). The closer we walk with Him, the less the darkness can hold us. His Word becomes our lamp, His Spirit our guide, and His peace our path.
Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, rises upon His people with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2). In His presence there is peace that cannot be shaken and joy that cannot be stolen. Apart from Him, we can do nothing—but in Him, even weakness becomes strength (John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9–10).
To walk with Jesus is to live with purpose (Ephesians 2:10). Like clay in the Potter’s hand, we are being shaped by His will. Each day He gives grace for what is before us, strength for the next step, and love that will not let go.
So rest beneath His branches. Let His life fill yours. Let His Word quiet your worries. The more we abide in Him, the more heaven’s rhythm fills our hearts. May our lives bear fruit that points to Jesus, for He alone deserves the glory—now and forever.
Lord Jesus, let my roots sink deep into You. When the winds of life blow, keep me steady in Your grace. Teach me to draw strength from Your presence and to rest beneath the shadow of Your wings.
Help me to trust Your hand when I cannot trace Your plan. Shape my heart until it reflects Yours. Let my words bear fruit, my thoughts bring You glory, and my life become a quiet testimony of Your love.
Be my peace in every storm, my strength in every weakness, and my song in every season. I rest in You, Lord—my Rock, my Redeemer, and my unfailing hope. Amen.
Bryan Dewayne Dunaway
