My bride and I came back from there a few weeks ago… one of the best trips we’ve taken! While in a place called Icy Strait, the blowing wind by the water’s edge was Icy Cold but we decided to go on a short nature trail anyways. The scenery was majestic.
Sitka Spruce trees were everywhere (above picture). Those ‘bad boys’ can rise to a stunning three hundred feet up! Their trunks were massive… some of them have been standing tall and strong for hundreds of years.
The Bible says that people who trust God and live for Him are like those huge trees and even better. They will have a life worth living! Check out what Psalm 1 says,
“Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT)
That’s ONE BIG promise!
Two words caught my attention from those verses: ‘wither’ and ‘prosper.’ The Hebrew idea for not withering means that it will never sink or become droopy. And the word ‘prosper’ literally means to advance forward. I want to hold on to those promises. to become true in my life. How about you?
Those extremely tall, strong trees by the water’s edge in Icy Strait are in very inhospitable weather. The temperatures can be harsh, dipping below zero at times, there’s lots of rain and snow, and very strong winds. And yet, there the sitka spruces stand. Amazing!
God’s great promises to us stand the test of time regardless of the difficulties we may encounter. Have you ever experienced one tough time after another and said, “Man, when it rains it pours!” And sometimes it doesn’t let up! And life can become right down depressing. And yet… God’s promises remain and will become true for us!
As my darling and I continued down the trail, we came across this fallen giant, (picture below).
“So let the man [or woman] who feels sure of his standing today
be careful that he does not fall tomorrow.” 1Corinthians 10:12 (PHILLIPS; parenthesis mine)
That word ‘careful’ means to take a good look at yourself: how you think; how you operate/what you do; how much ‘weight’ does God and faith have in your life; where you’re heading with your goals and dreams; etc. You may be doing extremely well today but tomorrow remains a mystery.
To keep a strong balance life you must believe in yourself and do what you can, but at the same time remain humble enough to trust that it is only with God’s help that your influence and reach are going to grow tall and strong!
In the Psalm we read above, the Lord promises those who love Him:
*Fruitfulness throughout your year (‘bearing fruit each season’)
*Staying fresh and rejuvenated (‘leaves never wither’)
*Success (‘they prosper in all they do’)
Thrive! Live victoriously! Be effective! Remain balanced!
Great msg. Love you and miss all of you.
Hey, John! Thank you!! Miss you you too!!!
I loved this. It gave me tears of joy and a promise that will always remain.
thank you
Thank you Georgia, God bless you!!!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. PROVERBS 3:5
An awesome verse from God’s word, and an awesome message from you, Jorge!
Thank you!
Thanks, Jim! It’s about trust in the Lord for sure
Pastor
AWESOME and so TRUE. My prayer is to never sink or become droopy, but to keep praying to always Advance Forward, especially during tough times. We need to hold on to His promises and stay humble. God Bless.
Sinking is easy to do. We’ve got to remain God-conscious and trusting His light and life will lift us up. Thanks for reading and for your input.