Trees

I love big, beautiful, strong trees throughout the yard. They provide shade and allow a cool breeze on very humid days. Their beauty is remarkable as the leaves grow and change colors. But did you know that Scripture declares, "You are trees of righteousness; You are the planting of the Lord"? What a wonderful blessing to understand that we are God's seedlings. He planted us to walk in likeness and in His holiness.

In Isaiah 61:3 we find this passage, "... that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified." It is here that the prophet Isaiah calls the redeemed, "trees of righteousness."  He holds those who stand strong in the Lord in high esteem and reminds us that God planted us for one purpose - to bring Him much glory.

He tells us there will be days when you and I must "put on" a garment of praise when our life feels heavy. He continues that we must give beauty and delight in return for someone who is dishing out "ashes". And we must anoint our head with the oil of joy when it appears everyone around us is in mourning. So remember who you are and get dressed with praise. Wash the ashes from your face and anoint your head to face the trial that stands before you. God is your anchor and He will see you through.

There will be times when great trouble, disappointment and heartache appear in our lives.  Times which we will be required to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps regardless of the "happenings" all around us. We must know who we are in Christ Jesus standing strong like trees as we remain in the Word and in prayer. We must trust God completely for a change of mindset when everyone else may be negative and downcast. Paul taught we live in perilous times and the faith of the righteous will be tried and tested. Therefore, consider your daily thoughts and mindset - so you might be called "trees of righteousness!"