Article May 26, 1956 Issue

DIVINE STRENGTH

FRANCES G. DINEL

One day during a violent storm of wind and rain I watched a young eucalyptus tree sway and bend and tremble. But always it regained its upright position, if only momentarily. The storm continued for several hours. When the thunder and rain finally ceased, the air was still, filled with the freshness and clearness that often follow a storm. The tree was standing straight and free, shining and strong.

I thought, "So shall I stand through any onslaughts of aggressive mental suggestion, fearlessly assured that my roots are well grounded in the knowledge of God's presence and power, which upholds me." I realized that at times I had been shaken by worry, dissatisfaction, fear, criticism, impatience, human will—the rough weather of mortal mind's pretensions. But I knew that my foundation had stood firm. I had always emerged with thought clarified, understanding deepened, gratitude ringing. I knew that strength and endurance are spiritual assets, Godgiven, unassailable. The Scriptures declare (Eph. 6:10, 11): "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Strength is a spiritual quality. It includes the firm conviction that there is only one perfect creator, one creation, one universe of God's creating. It supplies one with the recognition that man is the idea of the creator; therefore he is the expression and image of God. Knowing these truths brings to one calm and steadfast assurance of his ability to remain untouched through the challenges and temptations of human beliefs, discordant conditions, physical frailties.

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