The uncertainties in life, i.e. not knowing what tomorrow holds, is a perpetual concern for an average Singaporean (and I would suppose people in general all over the world). The popular phrase, ‘Here (Hair) today, gone tomorrow’ is true not just concerning the not so important patch on our head but the all-important roof over our heads. Where is that job-security? Is there really such a thing as ‘iron rice bowl’? In the first place, where do we find security? Take a lesson from the Psalmist – ‘He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”’
Sometimes (or maybe it should be many times), songs that our children sing in Sunday School embodies truth that we adults will do well to learn. Take for instance the song – “I’m gonna be like a tree”. The lyrics teach biblical truth in a catchy tune for children –
I’m gonna be like a tree; Planted by the water;
Trusting in the Father to keep me strong;
I’m gonna be like a tree; Planted by the water;
Trusting in the name of the Lord;
The deeper the roots go; The better the fruits grow;
The blessings flow out for all to see;
The deeper the roots go; the more my life shows;
That Jesus is the Lord of me.
This reminds us of Ps. 1:3 isn’t it? Speaking of the godly, the Psalmist writes, ‘He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.’
While Singaporeans “battle” with haze, we read in the papers of what others experience in other locations – drought, famine, flood, tornadoes, typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. At such times, those who stay firm are more likely to be those whose lives are harnessed by the assurance of God’s Word,, as for e.g. Psalm 29:10,11 – “The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!”
Uncertainties in life can be caused by “natural disasters”. However, it can be man-made as well. Whichever the case, when faced with the crises of life’s turn of events, we need to stay firm on the rock of our salvation and trust Him to see us through. The way to do so is to be strongly rooted in Him.
There is a hotel in Bangkok that says it is Thailand’s tallest tower. I read its statistics and among other things, it says that it is 309 meters tall, which is about the height of 182 people standing one on top of the other. From the bottom of the hotel to the top of it, it has 2,060 steps, which takes more than one hour to reach the top by foot.
So the building stands tall and proud, towering over all the other buildings. Well that’s what you and I can see. But we cannot see is this other fact – the piling for the hotel, in order that it remains standing strong, runs 65 meters deep underground. This is about the height of a 22 storey building.
This depicts the wisdom of growing deep in God if we want to stay firm and strong, glorifying God in the changing circumstances of life. As Col. 2:6 and 7 reminds us, ‘So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.’
Elder Richard Lai
