Morning Devotional
November  8, 2005
"Fall Colors"      
    by Don Emmitte

I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are discouraged take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. I cried out to the LORD in my suffering, and he heard me. He set me free from all my fears. For the angel of the LORD guards all who fear him, and he rescues them. Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him! (Psalm 34:1-8 NLT).

 

Driving home from seeing the kids the other day was a beautiful experience. The fall foliage is incredible in our area. I have never seen such beauty in the trees before. The reds, yellows, and oranges are vibrant. The roadsides are painted in ways only God could manage.

 

I am told that this season will last for quite a while before the arrival of winter. I am looking forward to seeing winter in North Carolina, though I know I will not like the cold that accompanies it. Cold weather is particularly difficult for me. Even in Texas I was the object of some humor as I dressed in my “five layer” winter gear. However, be that as it may, winter is essential for the rest of the year. The growth of spring cannot take place without the rest of winter. The beauty of fall will not take place without the summer heat.

 

Knowing that I am drawn to the hardest of the seasons. Our life has seasons as well. Winter is an inevitable one. Some may go through tough times with bare souls that do not cling to any faith or everlasting hope. Their souls get frozen to death. And how poor is the man with a frozen soul! Others may put on soul gloves: self-righteousness, good deeds, religion, or even fabricate their own belief, truth and faith to fit their soul well. Unfortunately, these layers are filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) that may keep them warm for a while. Yet, as the journey prolongs, such souls lose their self-generated warmth and end up frozen with pride and self-sufficiency. Blessed are those who 'glue' their souls to the 'Radiating Warmth' of Jesus Christ. No matter how short or long life's winter is their souls are kept warm, wrapped in His love, care and righteousness. Moreover, they enjoy tasting and seeing that the LORD is good!

 

Spend a little time in our reading today. David wrote this psalm when he pretended to be insane so that Abimelech would send him away. It was a time of great uncertainty in his life. He was pursued like an animal with nowhere to hide. Yet, the more he found himself focusing on the goodness of God, the more he found himself hopeful of the future. If this is a winter for you, layer up in the presence of God through the Holy Spirit within you and get a glimpse of the spring as it readies itself to break free in your life.