Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Tree Images


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Olive Tree

Scripture for Today: Psalm 52:18  “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.”

When I sang with my French chorale in Greece, we saw groves and groves of olive trees.  Even though the soil at times seemed dry and the sun relentless, these trees thrived.  Their twisted gnarled trunks and their evergreen tops dot the landscape and provide a versatile fruit.

I wondered why the Psalms used this image of the one who trusts in God’s unfailing love.  In reading about olive trees I learned that it is known for its tenacity.  It is grown in almost any condition and can thrive in great heat with minimal water.  Some olive trees grow root systems 2000 years old!  It is virtually indestructible.  Even when cut down or burned, new shoots will emerge from the roots!

Trusting in God’s unfailing love makes me strong and indestructible like the olive tree!  Being loved by my Creator gives me that tenacity to face whatever life brings.  Knowing that His love will not fail me gives me the strength to thrive, regardless of my circumstances.  His love is what makes life even possible.

Unfailing love is something supernatural.  Even with the best intentions, my love for others routinely fails.  Being so flawed, an unfailing love seems impossible.  But God IS love.  His love is from everlasting to everlasting.  His love does not depend on my performance or my love for Him.  It does not fluctuate depending on the day.  His love is so wide and long and high that it surpasses knowledge (Eph. 3:18).  And it is this unfailing love that makes me flourish like the olive tree.

I am amazed that you love me, Lord!  Help me believe it today!


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Desert

Scripture for Today:  Psalms 63:1  “O God, You are my God!  I long for You!  My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”

I have friends who are definitely “desert rats.”  Like the Joshua Tree, they seem to thrive in the dry desert heat.  I do not mind the desert if there is a lake available.  When our children were young we went to Lake Havasu in Arizona with another family for nine summers in a row.  The only comfortable place was half in the water in a beach chair, with an umbrella and a cold soda in hand!  One could maybe get used to the heat but the dryness of the air was something else.  My skin always felt dry and flaky.

David wrote this psalm while in the wilderness of Judah.  He likened his longing for God to his need for water in an arid land.  His thirst for a relationship with his Creator was all consuming.  No wonder he was a “man after God’s own heart!”  (I Samuel 13:14)

David recognized the thirst and longing of his soul.  He knew it could only be quenched by the One who created his soul.  Sometimes I do not even recognize my deepest longings for what they are.  I feel some dissatisfaction or some restlessness and do not attribute it to the correct source.  I look to other solutions or distractions.  They may even work for awhile.  But there remains something missing.

My soul was created for Him.  He is the only One who can fill those empty places within me.  When I ignore Him, I am in a spiritual desert experiencing dryness and thirst.  Lord, keep me close to You and away from that dry barren desert!


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Like a Tree

IMG_20121124_121653Scripture for Today:  Psalms 1:3  “He shall be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season.  And its leaf does not wither.  And whatever he does, he prospers.”

This tree does not look like much without its leaves.  Even so, it seems stately and strong.  I can just imagine the shade it would provide in a different season.  The bench there looks so inviting.  Its branches are solid to give birds rest and shelter.  Its elevated location sets it apart.  It has withstood the winds and heavy snows over many years.

In our verse the righteous man who delights in obeying God’s Law is likened to a tree.  Like the tree, those who obey Him are  upright, strong and uncompromising.  The righteous one cannot be moved by the winds of adversity.  He is seen by others.  His stature is a testimony to the care and blessing that comes from obedience.

I am so thankful for that little phrase, “which yields its fruit in its season.”  The tree pictured here is not bearing fruit.  It is not the season.  However, it is still stately and strong as it awaits the next season.  There are times in my life when I wonder about the fruit I am producing.  However, when I am faithful to love and follow His Law, I can be assured of staying strong and healthy.  There is a time and season for every purpose under heaven (Eccl. 3:1).  God is the One who controls the seasons and produces the fruit in me.

I love this image of being a tree.  My roots are firmly planted in His unchangeable and good Law.  I will not be moved, regardless of the winds that buffet me.  I stand strong and prosper in life because of this promise!