Morning Devotional
July 31, 2005
"Lessons From a Tree"      
    by Don Emmitte

For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. (Romans 1:19-21 NLT).

 

There are so many things we can learn from our natural surroundings. God is in all of nature. Living in North Carolina has given me a new look at trees. The countryside is so much like East Texas, where I spent many years in ministry. There are trees everywhere! In fact, there are so many towering trees, that it is difficult to see where you are going. I had forgotten how dependent I had become on being able to look down the road and actually see my destination!

 

There is much a tree can teach. From patience and quiet strength to comfort and shelter, the spiritual qualities that pour forth from the sapling to the redwood are a sight to behold. Upon examining the rings of a tree an entire history is unfolded. There are narrow rings, fat rings, distorted rings, and smooth ones. A large ring brings to mind a summer of great prosperity. The rain was abundant, balanced with just the right amount of sunshine to cause great growth. Much progress was made that year and all was well. But what about the very narrow rings? That was a summer of tribulations. Water was sparse and the sunshine was more harmful than it was helpful. The tree could do all just to stay alive. Struggle and turmoil dogged this tree the entire season.

These cycles of a tree's experience mirror our own. Yet, what you may not know is that those narrow rings are essential to the survival of the tree. Without them the tree would not have the strength to survive. It is the narrow rings that give the tree it's strength, and what makes the tree "solid." The combination of the fat rings with the thin rings give the tree flexibility to bend but not break, stand up to the strong wind, and survive. So, when you are in one of those "drought years," remember that in the end it is these times that give you your strength, and it is the prosperous years that remove the "hardness." Gratitude is the only weapon we have, and it is the tool that will enable you to escape.

 

There are those times in our lives when simply surviving is enough. You don't lose ground. You don't go backwards. Your spiritual growth goes on. The oak tree cannot make its way back into the acorn. It continues to grow, persevere, and survive. Then the summer of prosperity returns and the tree is ready to grow again, give shelter to the birds, a playground to the squirrels, and shade to the needy. Be ever hopeful, ever joyous, and grateful no matter what part of the cycle of life you find yourself in, the balance of life is a constant of peace.