Wed., Mar. 23/22
In an old Peanuts cartoon Lucy tells Linus all the wonderful things trees can do: they provide shade, they protect from rain, they prevent erosion, provide wood for construction…. The pair pass by Charlie Brown, all depressed, his head bent forward against a tree. “And when life gets too hard,” continues Lucy, “they are very good to lean against.”
Trees may also make great homes for squirrels, birds, insects and other critters, they may provide fruit and sap to nourish, and provide a vantage point for scouting the land, but they are also just a good solid place on which to lean.
Not all of life will be about accomplishment, about helping others, about doing one’s duty. One must also do one’s self-care and at times that simply means doing nothing at all and allowing the full weight of your cares to fall upon the Lord. At these times it is senseless to do otherwise.
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” directed Jesus (Mark 6:31). Jesus Himself rested (Matt. 8:24). God the Father rested (Gen. 2:2-3), and both command us also to rest: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work.” (Exod. 20:9-10). He invites us to take His yoke upon ourselves that He might share our load during the heat of the workday, but no oxen toils round the clock!
“Cast all your anxiety on Him,” counsels Peter (1 Pet. 5:7). Like the thief of the cross dying beside Christ, lean on Him… with absolutely no strength of your own. Here is a Tree upon which you can lean — in life and in death. Here is a Tree which is stronger than both.
Press on…
- Photo by Pixabay
Pressing on... 