Devotions By Jan

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Trees That Weep?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 126:6 “Those who go out weeping carrying seeds to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

Despite living almost three decades in France I had never seen a European Weeping Beech tree. But in Rhode Island, on the grounds of the Château sur Mer in Newport I saw this incredible sight! The drooping branches were so thick, the trunk was not even visible. The English call it the “upside down tree!” Several species of trees including the Weeping Willow are called, “Weeping,” if they grow pendulous branches. I am not sure I would want such a weepy looking tree in my yard.

Today’s verse describes a weeping that ends in joy! What an amazing reversal promised to the Israelites!  The Lord would bring back their captives and restore their fortunes causing all the neighboring nations to sit up and take notice. The Lord will be known as having done great things for them. All those tears are replaced with laughter and songs of joy!

This promise has many layers as I too can look forward to a time when my weeping and sorrow will be transformed! Laughter and joy will echo in the halls of Heaven as I enjoy a hope that is realized forever!  Weeping will be a distant memory. Everything today that is sad and awful will seem light compared to the weight of glory that I will one day enjoy! (II Cor. 4:17) God’s promise of life without end keeps me looking forward. Weeping only stays for the night but joy WILL COME in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Thank you Lord, for the songs of joy yet to be sung!


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A Muzzled Horse

Scripture for Today: Psalm 39:1 “I said, ‘I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.'”

I have never seen a muzzle on a horse but apparently, it is not all that uncommon. Two different muzzles are used for two very different problems. The grazing muzzle is used when there is a problem with overeating. It will restrict their grass intake while still allowing for pasture time. Then there is the cribbing muzzle to prevent the horse from biting. Their bite will not normally break the skin but those powerful jaws can leave a deep bruise!

Today’s verse talks about a voluntary muzzle needed for our mouths, especially in the presence of the wicked. David was feeling down and discouraged with what he felt was God’s rebuke and discipline (verse 11). He expressed anguish over the fact that life is short and seemingly vain (verse 6). But David did not want any of these feelings voiced in the presence of the wicked. Even when upset with God, David did not want to malign His name.

I need to muzzle my mouth as well, especially when I am questioning the Lord or discouraged in my walk. That does not mean I cannot share these feelings with a trusted believing friend. But when I am with those who do not know the Lord, I would not want my emotional outburst to keep them from faith. I would not want my words to be an obstacle to someone else. The tongue is described as a small spark that can set on fire an entire forest (James 3:6). The damage my tongue could do could have eternal consequences!

Lord, do not ever let me malign Your beautiful and holy Name.

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2021)


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Glass Frog

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 4:13 “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.”

Image credit to John P. Clare at https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnclare/14793819573

How amazing to be able to see the internal organs of this frog! The transparent skin and muscles on his underside give us a “living window!” The backs of these tree frogs are lime green, giving them the ability to blend in with the leaves of trees in Central and South America. They can concentrate their red blood cells in the liver while resting, making them harder to see. Their transparency actually provides an invisible cloak, making it easier to go undetected.

Today’s verse teaches that nothing goes undetected by our Creator. Nothing is hidden from His sight. Even what is carefully concealed and buried will eventually be laid bare before Him. One day there will be a reckoning and everyone will give an account. This is a very uncomfortable thought for the one who has not asked this just and righteous Judge for forgiveness. But, this is also a comforting thought for the forgiven one who has been wronged. God will vindicate him and right every wrong.

How thankful I am for His forgiveness! He has taken my rightful punishment on Himself on the cross. I can look forward to this day because of His mercy and grace. And I can clap my hands with the rivers and sing for joy with the mountains because He will judge the world with righteousness. (Ps. 98:8-9) God will deal with those who have lived their lives doing and promoting evil. My prayer is that He will delay a little longer so that more will turn to Him for forgiveness.

Thank you Lord for Your justice AND forgiveness.


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The Shrug

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 12:16 “If you shrug off an insult and refuse to take offense, you demonstrate discretion indeed. But the fool has a short fuse and will immediately let you know when he’s offended.” (The Passion Translation)

Credit: Mark Giles, https://www.flickr.com/photos/admitone/195114154

I might shrug my shoulders to release tension, especially after working at the desk in one position. But a shrug of the shoulders can also have many meanings as part of a conversation. This body language can communicate indifference, indecision or the inability to do something. The one-sided shrug can indicate ambivalence, internal conflict, or insincerity. The shrug can be a hurtful sign of disrespect. It usually happens in a context where the meaning is pretty clear.

In today’s verse, the shrug is in a context that is very positive. The shrug here is dismissing an insult. The attitude behind this shrug is a refusal to take offense. Not allowing an insult to affect you demonstrates to others your discretion and prudence. It is even “to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” (Prov. 19:11) In contrast, the fool is easily offended and will let everyone know when his feelings are hurt. The fool, being so annoyed, will seem petty and prideful.

I do not want to be that fool where everyone has to tiptoe around me. I want to be the bigger person and let that unfair remark slide off my back. I have many people in my life who affirm and support me. Do I really need to worry about a negative random comment? The insults Christ suffered were infinitely worse and He did not take offense. I want to be so secure in God’s love for me that I can shrug off that mean hurtful thing one might say.

Lord, help me to overlook any insult today.


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Obstacle Course

Scripture for Today: Psalm 143:10 “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

I had never tried to do an above-ground obstacle course before. I wouldn’t recommend it if you are afraid of heights. I thought I could handle it during a women’s retreat at Forest Home. I knew from rock climbing in my college years that the harness would hold me up if (when) I fell. But I was no longer a college student. And the thought of climbing up those moving steps and having the harness abruptly pull me up made me wonder what I was thinking!! I will admit it. After my friend took the picture, I climbed back down to the stable level ground below!

Today’s verse was a prayer of David’s during a time of intense distress. He was being pursued by his enemies and he hides himself in God, entrusting his very life to Him. He claims God as his God and commits to following His will. David looks to God’s Spirit to lead him on level ground where he could be secure and stable. He needed to be led by God’s Spirit to ground that was free from dangers and obstacles.

My stability and security are not found in my circumstances. Sure, there are days that are smooth and uneventful. And I am thankful for them. But it is in the stress of not knowing which way to turn or what decision to make that I need that reassurance that He is leading me. When I am feeling vulnerable to evil in the world I need that confidence. I can feel secure knowing that He is present (Heb. 13:5) and that He will always keep His Word. (II Cor. 1:20)

Lord, keep me close to You for the stability and security You provide!