Psalm 1:1–3 (NIV)
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
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The past several weeks have been difficult.
I am realizing the impact trauma from the last several years has truly had on my body, mind, and spirit—even down to a molecular level. The assault that occurred in Australia 7 months ago, being hit in the head, spiritual trauma, significant losses of loved ones, big move, and struggling to find community through a big move – it has all impacted me significantly.
As I am trying to slow down and relax, I am noticing my body continues to be in this fight,flight, or freeze mode. My ability to tolerate everyday situations is more limited.
Due to the stress and overwhelm in my body, I knew I needed some time in nature.
Nature has a way of healing me in a way that nothing else can.
I found an Airbnb next to a stream in the middle of Tennessee, and I’m sitting here overlooking a small waterfall. This morning, I opened my Bible to Psalm 1, which is interesting because God has been putting Psalms on my heart the past few days.
And as I read it, one part stood out to me:
“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither…”
And I knew in that moment… God was sending me a message. I sat here reflecting and praying.
I was reminded of another time this scenario played out in my life.
Several years ago, I was in Arizona, sitting in Scottsdale surrounded by large rocks and boulders. This area is known for its large beautiful boulders surrounded by the amazing desert. I opened my Bible and read, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress.” I knew God was wanting me to fully grasp this truth. A truth that would sustain me for several difficult years.
What I didn’t know at the time was that we were about to walk through some of the most difficult and traumatic seasons in our family. Things that would shake our faith. Spiritual abuse that would impact each of us individually and as a family. Seasons that would make it hard to go to church, to trust Christians, and even at times to trust God. Our faith is our core and when that is shaken, it is devastating and extremely painful.
God knew I needed that message then.
And today… He is sending me another important and profound truth.
As I sat here looking at the trees next to the stream—secure, steady, rooted—I began to understand.
God is telling me that “I am going to be sustained.”
I don’t have to strive or fight through life.
I can rest next to Him… as if He is the stream.
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Things I am learning from this moment:
1. My life has to stay rooted in God.
I can’t allow my life to be influenced by the world, by media, by unkind people, by trials, or even by the trauma I’ve experienced. That cannot be my focus. My focus has to be on God.
2. I don’t have to strive to survive.
I am sustained because God is my anchor and my hope. We will go through hard times, but one truth I can always hold onto is the hope of Jesus. He is bigger than any circumstance.3. God is reminding me that I am no longer in survival mode.
He is teaching me how to be rooted in Him and reminding me of the security that I find only when I stay connected to Him. My strength comes from God alone.
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Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
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Reflection 🤍
Where are you rooted right now?
What is influencing your thoughts, your heart, and your life?
Are you striving to survive… or are you allowing God to sustain you?
Sometimes we don’t need to do more.
We just need to stay planted and rooted in God. We will be blessed, held, and we will prosper.
Blessings, Crystal Ridlon, LPC
The Flame Within 
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