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

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

All meekness is displayed in our Savior born to us—Jesus Christ. Being meek is part of the Christian way—part of that easy yoke and light burden we accept as followers. Being meek is challenging but doable with God’s help. Remembering Christ’s meekness helps us to have an attitude of meekness toward others. Christ’s love shed abroad in our hearts motivates us to love others.

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

As an elm tree holds up in the winter landscape, so we endure through trials. We wait for help in our need and tribulation. Even if the youth make fun of us, we keep praying. To obey is what we know the Bible tells us to do. Maintained confidence in the Lord will be richly rewarded. God is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, who pray believing.

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

A reaping of corruption approaches for those who choose not to believe in Jesus Christ and the love He displayed on the cruel cross for us. God’s wrath is coming as the clock which He made ticks. The end time is when He will have His vengeance—where 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. Pray for salvation for loved ones. He who parted the Red Sea can hear your outpouring request(s).

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. 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 to those who believe in Him. 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. Also, we gain all the precious promises God has outlined in His powerful Word!

The evil one wants to make sure as many of God’s humans possible are exposed in their sin and doomed to Hell with him. He wishes this because he already knows his fate is eternal death. And there ain’t gonna be no party in Hell. Satan doesn’t care about what God created.

But Jesus does. He proved it by bearing our sin on the cross. 

Ask God to show how to be humbly submissive. Pray for endurance to keep at it. Ask for opportunities to show meekness. 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.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

Because of Jesus—through harsh times and good—display meekness.