Daily Archives: November 7, 2012

11 years, 4 months ago 10

 

While in Monument Valley Sunday I saw this tree, ( a Pinyon Pine), in the deep sand.  I wondered how in such a dry land,  in such harsh conditions this tree could survive!!??  The summers are blazing hot, the winters can be brutally cold, there is not a lot of rain and the soil is mostly sand!!  Yet this sturdy tree is thriving in the harshest conceivable environment?  I’m told that this tree has deep roots that reach out under the soil in search of all the moisture it can find.  The tree has a thick strong bark that protects it from the conditions it must endure.  Somehow it survives and has for many, many years.

 

If we hope to survive in a hostile and difficult environment, as this world, we must learn from this successful survivor!  We must reach out and develop a root system that reaches to God for life giving water. Without God’ sustaining love we can never hope to survive those conditions that would destroy us.  We must fortify our protective covering which is our constant reliance on Him.  He has already defeated the powers of this world, and He is the only thing that can keep us safe in such a harsh environment.

 

Lastly, no matter how severe the storm, the heat, the cold, and the onslaught of this world, we must keep our eyes on Him, trust Him, and know He always has a plan that goes far beyond our understanding.

 

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
    He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

 

Live in the house of the Lord today!!  Feel his protection, His love, His kindness, and His sustaining presents!  Dig your roots deep into Him, and find the refreshment and life sustaining water of His spirit. Know that He is protecting you, and sheltering you, so that you can not just survive but reach out your branches in praise of Him and in service to others.  Bring His hope to the lost and wandering pilgrims of this world.  Like the Pinyon Pine, may we thrive in even the harshest environment, and contribute to the world around us.

 

and I will remember;

 

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life.

 

In Him,

 

the pilgrim