Daily Bread January 13

Standing Tall
Patsy Lewis of Gainesville, GA, USA


Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. -2 Corinthians 13:11

As I await the effects of Hurricane Irma, I notice the sway of the trees in my backyard. I have one particularly large red oak tree that always makes me stop in amazement. This tree grew at an angle in an effort to reach the sun’s warming rays. When you face it, the tree looks perfectly straight. However, if you move to either side, it is easy to see the definite angle and become fearful that the tree may fall.

The tree has been standing longer than I have been alive. It sways in the force of the wind when needed, but the big storms haven’t tumbled it yet.

I am reminded of a passage from the Greek tragedy Antigone when Haemon tells his father, Creon, “It is better to bend than break.” A similar idea is referenced in Psalm 1:3. “They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.”

I want to be like that tree. Sometimes I feel anxious, and I have been battered by the storms of life. I want to always stand in the face of adversity while the wind and the rain come.

Prayer Phrase

“Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day…” (Psalm 139:12).

Spiritual Practice

Repeat this month’s prayer phrase slowly and intentionally within your heart. Invite this prayerful repetition to open a space of presence to the divine light within you. Where are you experiencing the light of God in your life and in the world?

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.

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