"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
PSALM 16:11
Where I live, not far from a lazy meandering river, most of what I can see when I step out my back door are trees. The trees are tall, regal, and towering (I know there are much bigger trees in the west, but 40 - 50ft is towering for my area of Oklahoma). From the almost perfectly straight, pole-like Black Walnut, to the haunting Blackjack Oak that keeps its rough and jagged dead branches, all the varied trees have a beauty of their own.Though when I go to work for an older lady that goes to my church, who lives on a high hill that overlooks the meandering river that cuts through the sea of green (or mostly green) trees and fields, I see all the things that are hidden behind the trees. Down in the trees, I can admire their individual beauty, but will become easily lost without guidance. Up on the high hill I can see clearly where I should go.
In the same way, as God leads us through life, we can become lost if we don't ask Him for guidance, and once
in awhile, God will lift us up to the heights to let us have just a glimpse of how He sees the forest of life. As I travel through life, I "admire" many of the experiences I am able to have, but will find myself lost and confused, unable to see through the mist that constantly flows around me, and unable to understand which way I should go. That is when I must stand strong on God and trust Him to guide me through.I relish the few chances I have to be on the "high hill," as close to God as I can get. But I know that trusting God and accomplishing what He wants me to do, requires boldly trekking into the forest of this world, proclaiming the good news of Jesus, with His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, guiding my every step.
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
PSALM 17:3-5
Written by: Zachary J.
P.S. Many exciting things will be happening in my life, so for the next few weeks, although I will continue to post on a regular schedule, I am going to be very busy and won't be able to do much commenting, if any at all.
5 comments:
What a great personal analogy! It is very easy to become lost or even caught up in life, forgetting that this is not our true home.
Ah, Zac. I needed to hear that right now, a friend of mine is having her leg amputated. Sometimes I wish God would show me how He sees things, right now. But He doesn't always do that.
Beautiful wording in the post. :)
This is a beautiful post, Zac. You had me right there imagining the forest and the high hill. It often seems that life is a lot of trudging through thick trees. I can never predict what is coming up in the future, and I am constantly getting turned around and surprised. Being on the hill is always a blessing! Thanks for the encouragement.
Have a great couple weeks!
Elizabeth
Great imagery! Great post! Great job!
~Nella
It was very refreshing to read this post, Zac... Thanks for sharing!
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