A promise for times of feeling hollow.

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It always amazes me when I see a stately tree with such a large hollow spot in its trunk. I’m surprised it hasn’t fallen over from a storm or the weight of its branches. Hollows form as the result of stress from natural forces like wind, lightning or rain, pruning, or attacks from insects or fungi. Many animals make it worse by using their beaks or claws to make it bigger, so they can use the hollow to raise and feed their young.

The wood inside the tree is important for structural integrity. When this foundational wood rots the tree becomes hollow and potentially hazardous. If there is sufficient loss of strength in the trunk, the trees are more likely to blow over or have major branches break off in wind and ice storms.

“I waste away like rotting wood, like a moth-eaten coat.”
Job 13:28 New Living Translation

Doesn’t that describe our struggle? Outside forces of temptation, sin or apathy in our lives slowly eat away at us, leaving us feeling hollow and unsteady. At times we don’t feel we can stand up under the weight of God’s pruning. And some people do crumble. But our structural integrity is the foundation of our faith in the Lord. He gives inner strength to our branches and shores up our trunks, no matter what outside or inside forces eat away at us.

 “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”
Psalm 73:26 New Living Translation

So when you feel a bit hollow inside, remember these words and trust that He will fill your hollow spaces with strength and joy.

“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”
Psalm 28:7-9 New Living Translation

Photo and text copyright Desiree Bustamante