Was spending time with God yesterday morning when God brought to my attention a small tree outside my window - a tree that i had never taken notice of (of any significant detail anyway). It was not so much the tree that God brought my attention to; rather, it was a particular part of the tree that my gaze fell upon - namely, that of a branch with green, lushy leaves that shone under the morning sun. However, that was not all ... on that same green lushy branch hung a dangling twig - a dry, withered, and lifeless twig. It seemed as if it had somehow been broken off the branch - albeit still dangling from it. But the contrast spoke volumes ...
And it was to this contrast that my attention was arrested and my eyes fixated. There and then, God spoke to me through this unique picture of the green lushy leaves and the thin dry twigs. It sorta reminded me of the immense importance of us abiding in Him and He in us - for He is the source of our spiritual life and vitality; nothing and no one else will suffice. John 15: 1-8 immdiately sprang to mind ... and the question that popped in my mind was this: Do we want to be like the thriving green lushy leaves that sparkled under the morning sun (signifying health and life), or do we want to be like the dead, withered and dry twig that dangled lifelessly at the end of the branch (signifying lifelessness and death)? Are we abiding in Him in a living, thriving, vibrant relationship?
Oh, how i want to be so vitally connected to and be in intimate union with God every single moment, drawing that strength and sap of life from Him (and that only He can give) so that i may thrive - and be like that green lushy leaves, sparkling under the bright morning sun and teeming with vibrant life!!! And my prayer is that each of us, as precious children of God, would resolve deep within our very hearts to remain rooted in Him, and to abide in Him and His Word - that we may never go dry like that lifeless dangling twig - but remain refreshed daily in Him, by Him, and through Him - brimming forth with the life that only God can give!!!
O Lord, impress the words in and truth of John 15: 1-8 deeper than ever into my heart ... and help me to continually abide in You, the true vine - and never ever neglect that vital communion with You. Oh, draw me so ever deeper in love with You and in Your presence - for there i know i can find peace in the midst of turmoil, joy in the wave of gloom, comfort in the wake of sadness, courage in the shadow of fear, faith in the valley of doubt, and strength in the face of weakness.
Oh, how blessed it is to be in Your presence - for there i find fullness of joy and life abundantly!!! Oh, let me be like that thriving green lushy leaves, bearing fruit and giving life to all who come near!!! Amen.
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in Him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."
- Jeremiah 17: 7-8
