Recently I was reminded that things we once thought secure in our lives can fall and crush things that we value. Note the picture of the fallen tree that smashed through our new fence!
But of course, it's not just trees that once stood tall and seemingly unmovable that fall and crush what's below. Many things in life can tumble. Fallen relationships, fallen jobs, fallen opportunities, fallen ministries, fallen hopes and dreams and other things we come to rely on.
So, what do we do? Joelle and Jayna have some advice: Climb the trees, enjoy them, be grateful for them while they're standing. Rejoice and thank God for every good and upright gift in your life. But don't find your security, your identity, your life in those things. Know that they are temporary gifts in a temporary world. They are given for a time so that you may see God more clearly and rejoice in him more fully.
But all things fall, even sturdy pine trees. Only God, only Jesus and His love for you, only His Kingdom, His promises, His heart is forever. James 1:17 (NIV) says:
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
So find your security, your identity, your life and hope and all your tomorrows in Him. Don't count on the trees in your life for your happiness. Enjoy them, thank God for them, but put your trust in Him alone.
2 comments:
Thank you Marlo for always posting such wonderful wise and timely messages. I really appreciate your words!
Thanks so much, Laura! You have encouraged me. :-)
Post a Comment