"Learning to Cling"
Aug. 9, 2019
(Jesus said) "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. ... If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."
~ John 15:5,7 (ESV)
Every year, floods, tornadoes, and storms rage across our land, destroying or damaging hundreds of homes and leaving thousands of people homeless. And when asked, "Are you going to rebuild?" The answer heard over and over again is "Yes, we are going to rebuild. We are planning to stay. We're not giving up our home!"
That's America, we say. That's the real spirit of the American people. We don't give up easily; we hang in there. We put up a fight. When we get knocked down, we get up again. When flood, wind, fire, or whatever destroys our homes, farms, or places of business, we rebuild. We make whatever repairs are necessary. We press on.
If only we had more of that kind spirit inside our homes, inside our families. When the storms of nature damage our house, were ready to rebuild and restore it. Yet, when the storms of life hit us—money issues, kid problems, deep-seated disagreements, marital problems—when storms such as these invade our lives, well, we're not always ready to rebuild. In fact, sometimes we're ready to give in.
This is where the Word of God and prayer are so important. And this isn't only my idea; it's the Lord's. "I am the vine, you are the branches," Jesus tells us. "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." The Savior's message is clear. Only a committed belief in Him—trusting Him as Lord and Savior—can give us the strength we need to overcome the difficulties life throws at our family and our faith.
The words of Christ abiding in us and prayer—that's when things really begin to happen by the power of the Holy Spirit. It's His promise; it shall be done for you. Christ will abide in us, and we in Him. But this doesn't occur in a vacuum, does it? Surely, we can strive to become more Christ-minded in our daily affairs with our family and those we welcome into our homes.
The family, the household, that perseveres in the face of difficulties is the family that is reading and sharing God's Word regularly. It's the family that's studying His promises, listening intently to what He has to say, meditating on the Bible's application for their lives and, whenever they can, they are speaking to Him in prayer.
Does that family sound like yours?
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You have given us all things in the life of Your Son Jesus. Teach us to turn everything over to You—and rest in the peace only You can give. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- Is there anyone in your life (aside from spouse and children) who is indispensable? Who and why?
- How can we see to it that Christ's word remains in us?
- What do you do to make your home more inviting and spiritually vibrant?
From The Lutheran Layman, April 1979 issue, "The Word of God and Prayer" by Rev. Edward Meyer. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Is there anyone in your life (aside from spouse and children) who is indispensable?
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