Drought conditions and bark beetles are doing a number on the on the bull/digger pines around our property. So far this spring we had to cut down twelve of them and several more might soon follow.Two years ago they all looked healthy, now they were just brown ghosts looking completely out of place on the green blanket of spring. It is doubly sad, for one they are part of what makes our property unique and once dead they also become hazards.I am always amazed at how much space a tree occupies (Something you should take into account when planting a tree). When a tree hits the ground it leaves a large gap that takes some getting used to, and it will take a long time to fill that gap. On the bigger trees I counted the rings and I will have to live for another fifty years to see a replacement growto their size, which is highly unlikely since I am almost 53.Drought and bark beetles will kill your spiritual life as well. However, drought in our spiritual lives is usually self-imposed. There is no shortage of water to hydrate your soul and spirit. The Holy Spirit is a believers source of water, “Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink! The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.’ He said this about the Spirit” John 7:37b-39a (HCSB). He, the Spirit of God, will compel you and me to build our lives around spiritual waters, the most essential being:
- God’s word, the Bible, “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).
- Prayer, seeking the presence and conversation with God, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake” Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV).
- Fellowship with other believers, belonging to and participating faithfully in a church, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT). “They've refreshed me by keeping me in touch with you. Be proud that you have people like this among you” 1 Corinthians 16:18 (MSG).
- Obedience, trusting in and living by what God wills and says, “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go. ‘If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea’” Isaiah 48:17-18 (NASB).
When we are dry we are vulnerable just like trees. Life is full of bark beetles, full of spiritual attack, and has no shortage of temptations, challenges, and trials. The good news is we don’t have to live in drought conditions, ever.Compared to trees your and my life takes up vastly more space. We are meant to grow into towering, fruit bearing trees of blessing on the colorful landscape of life. Make up your mind and daily follow the Holy Spirit to the water.May the roar of the chainsaw be far from you.To God be all glory, love you, Pastor Hans