THE ICY GNARLY ELM

The icy, gnarly elm alone

in the dell, just beyond the spruces,

has taken on to moan and groan

and wonder of her uses,

to worry in the winter scene

where none but harshness grows—

and the cold wind blows.

Yet even so, the elm stands firm,

though the weighted ice is building.

And there lies at core a diseasing worm

as the branches soon are breaking.

Forbidding is the winter scene

in which all things are made weak—

where the plight looks bleak.

 

But there is remembrance of who one is,

as the sun shines on and sparkles.

Even through the strain and brittleness,

there is reason yet for marvels.

Hostile may the winter scene become

and the stressful toll long—

but her trust is strong.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

 

THE ICY GNARLY ELM

We saw a snowbow this morning! The frigid air of negative 8 here in the woodland realm in which I live stirred up strange colors amidst the frozen vapors. Winter has arrived. Ice and snow covers the branches of maple, beech and old gnarly elm trees. Only evergreens provide a dash of green color against the white backdrop of land and sky. Veery Glade is locked in the grips of winter.

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.

Ephesians 4:1-2

Jesus, our Savior born to us, displays all goodness. Because of Jesus, goodness can be a part of our make-up and displaying it part of that easy yoke and light burden we accept as followers. It’s tough to do. But remembering Christ’s goodness to us helps us to be good to others. It’s Christ’s love shed abroad in our hearts that motivates us to follow Him and obey.

 

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

 

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12

 

Display goodness. As an elm tree holds up in the winter landscape, so we endure through the elements. We wait for help in our need and for sustenance. Even if the youth are making fun of us, we commit to prayer. To obey and be good to others is what we know the Bible tells us to do. Maintained confidence in the Lord will be richly rewarded and God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

 

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:8-9

 

We reap what we sow. A reaping of corruption approaches for those who choose not to believe in God. And not believing in God not only is not pleasing to God but doesn’t help motivate to be good to others. God’s wrath is coming, as the clock which He made ticks. There will be an end time when He will have His vengeance, no longer patient. We read it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the Living God. Those are they which did not accept God’s Gift, the Savior Jesus Christ. Unto us, a Savior is born. He must be accepted as Lord in order to be saved as enemies of God will be destroyed.

 

So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

Judges 5:31

Deborah, a prophetess who led Israel, sang the above words at the end of her song as recorded in Judges chapter 5. She had marched the army to victory despite Barak second guessing God’s authority. (And because of that, God told Deborah to tell Barak the honor of Sisera’s fall would go to Jael, a woman.) Deborah obeyed God, acknowledging His might and goodness shining bright as the sun on those who love Him. She knew the LORD’s enemies would perish.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 9:27-28

 

Unto us, a Savior is born. Peace is what Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gives. It’s the kind of peace we have to the last breath when we commit our spirit into the hands of the Living God. With a sound mind fixed on the Author of our faith, rest for our souls comes. Jesus Christ covers our sin by His death on the cross. Safe from the wrath, we enter into eternal life redeemed by our Savior born to us and gain all the precious promises God has outlined in His powerful Word.

 

Ask God to show how to be good to others, even to family members that keep hating. Pray for endurance to keep at it. Ask for opportunities to show goodness and eyes to see them. Pray for wisdom. Pray to be a beacon of hope to children in depression. Ask to be the best light possible, reflecting God’s Son-light into the dark places on earth.

 

Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They shall fear the LORD and His goodness in the latter days.

Hosea 3:5

 

Because of Jesus, display goodness.