Weighed Down

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 NIV

Not long ago, we had an ice storm. Layers of ice weighed down bare tree branches. They looked like bony fingers reaching toward the ground. The snapping and groaning of limbs was eerie. Many trees plummeted to the ground, unable to endure the stress.

As I maneuvered around downed trees, I prayed that the standing trees would hold. Those bony fingers threatened to attack me. Then I saw myself in the trees.

God, I feel like these limbs…heavy, burdened, cold, tired and stressed. I am not going to make it without Your help. Please keep me from crashing under this weight.

For weeks, the stress in my life had increased. I had family pressures, church pressures, and moving pressures. On top of it all, I got sick but kept going. By this time, I was emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted. Like Paul, I was hard pressed on every side.

I prayed for the sun to shine and the temperature to rise. If the trees could hang on a little longer, relief would come. I prayed for the ice to melt in my circumstances as well.

Freezing conditions persisted for days, outside and in my life. Then, the temperature rose, freeing the trees from their bondage. This gave me hope to keep moving forward.

A couple of days ago, I noticed tiny flowers had appeared on a few trees. Leaves had barely emerged on others. These trees had not only survived but thrived! Situations in my life had improved as well, gradually and almost imperceptibly. But they had improved. Thank You, God!

Do you relate to these heavy, ice-laden trees? Hold on, dear one. You will not be crushed (2 Corinthians 4:8 NIV).

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 NIV).

Terri Vardeman