So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude. 8 Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.
Colossians 2:6-8 CSB
As a nurse, every year we have a specific set of trainings that we are required to attend. We get specialized training on how to recognize someone in distress and what to do if someone’s having trouble breathing or their heart stops functioning properly. We take tests, practice with hands-on mannequins, and perform return demonstrations to ensure that we can effectively perform the necessary skills. All of this training is in preparation for knowing what to do when trouble arises.
In healthcare, we understand that times of crisis are not the time to learn what to do. No one wants to have to pull out a manual when a patient is in distress. We need to be able to act with confidence to solve the problem. We understand that what you repeat in times of calm, you will repeat in times of chaos. And that same principle applies to our spiritual lives.
In times of calm, we have an opportunity to fill our minds with God’s Word; to carve out time to study and meditate on scriptures. When we make a conscious effort to fill ourselves with truth, we can quickly pull from our memory banks whenever troubles arise.
Sometimes we study things that aren’t immediately applicable to what we may be experiencing at the moment. But who knows when what we’ve studied may come into use? What we spent time dwelling on today, may be necessary to fight a battle years down the road or needed to encourage another believer facing a hard season.
Preparation is key to making it through the storm. What we do in times of calm makes the difference in what happens when troubles come. When we make an effort to stay rooted in God and His instructions, we will not turn toward worldly ways and wisdom. We will actively pursue God instead of dwelling in empty worries.
Today, I want to encourage you to get in the Word! You can no longer afford to be tossed around by the storms of life when you could be firmly rooted in Christ. Fill your mind with things above in times of peace, so that you can weather the storms with truth whenever they arise.
