Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. (Ps. 119:175)


AS A HARDY SHRUB, the rose of Sharon can withstand harsh conditions such as dry ground, the hot sun, and being planted next to a driveway. It can even flourish in deserts in which temperatures climb above 100°F. Amazingly, its beautiful blossoms appear despite the conditions in which it has had to survive.

Like the rose of Sharon, we endure harsh conditions, too. We suffer droughts in our lives or in the lives of our friends and loved ones in the form of sickness and disease. The heartbreak of a wayward child, an unfaithful spouse, a devastating tragedy, or death is the sun scorching us with its heat. Trying to make sense of suffering is like a shrub trying to come up through cement, but as we seek the Lord, He helps us understand. The cool gentle rains of His Word bring us joy once more; His promises strengthen us. By His grace, we renew our commitment to live for His glory. As we put our faith and trust in Him, He continues to sustain us until such time that He calls us home.

Commit yourself to live for His glory, and He will sustain you.

Sandy Haney has been an elementary school teacher for twenty-seven years. She and her husband have two children and two grandchildren.