Like A Tree

Other than people, trees are mentioned more than any other creation in the Bible; from the first page of Genesis to the last page of Revelation. God Himself planted trees in the garden and scripture uses trees as a metaphor for our spiritual life. Jesus frequently uses nature to teach principles of His Kingdom. It is fascinating to notice that every significant event in the Bible has a tree associated with it. The first Psalm encourages us to be like a tree flourishing in a dry climate. 

I love trees perhaps because my father was a forester and taught me all about them. Perhaps because I grew up surrounded by lush tall trees and beautiful gardens. We are all grateful for a tree when outside in a Texas summer (their shade provides a much cooler space to be). Looking out my front window, I see a barren Vitex tree, a Shumard Oak that has lost all its leaves but has an abundance of acorns, and a Buford Holly that is shiny green, a tad prickly, but full of berries - the most productive of all. Most trees are just skeleton silhouettes now, providing not only open sunset views but also food and refuge for cardinals, doves, wrens, and sparrows. But this week, the Lord sent us sunshine and warmth, and we can see signs of new life and growth appearing on trees around us. 

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Lord of the Harvest, thank you for the gift of life, thank you for planting us where we are in this season. Remind us that we are trees and not machines. Help us to abide in You today. Examine our hearts and reveal to us anything we trust apart from You. Remind us that when we put our trust and confidence in You, we are blessed with Your peace and presence. Deepen our roots through adversity and strengthen us in our weakness. Teach us to rest in Your timing and trust in Your power at work. Refresh us with streams of living water. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.