Bearing Fruit Despite the Storm

Desert mother Amma Theodora wrote, "Let us strive to enter by the narrow gate. Just as the trees if they have not stood before the winter's storms cannot bear fruit, so it is with us; this present age is a storm and it is only through many trials and temptations that we can obtain an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven."
                             ~ Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Radicals, p. 100



Life is full of challenges, hardships, trials and snares just vying for our attention. It's easy to take our eyes off of Jesus and buy into the illusions of this world, as if they matter more in our off guarded moments of desperation and pain than our focus on God.

In moments where life's pressures and concerns seem to crowd around me and threaten to suffocate the spiritual life within I find it extremely helpful to not only rely on conversational prayer but to turn to praying God's promises that He gives us in His Word. They are a source of encouragement, hope and comfort.

Here are some verses I find particularly helpful during troubling times where sometimes it is even difficult to pray. Sometimes our hearts and our minds are numb due to the pressures and pain in our lives and we need God's Word to help soften and melt our hearts once again. If you have verses that you have found particularly comforting or encouraging, please share them in the comments section with everyone :)

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (2) Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; (3) though its waters roar and foam , though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

Psalm 56: 13 For thou has delivered my soul from death, yea, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Psalm 37: 28 For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints.

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers him.

Psalm 34:22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

Heavenly Father,

During times when the storms around us seem to be raging let your light manifest ever brighter and more strongly within us, anchoring us to your presence that covers and inundates us with your peace and love. May we stay focused on you as the snares try to trip us up  and temptations try to court our inner desires and cause us to fall in our walks. May we stand strong in the light and truth of your promises and bring glory to your name.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.

Amen.