THE ICY GNARLY ELM
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.
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, here in Veery
Glade. 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. We are locked in the grips of winter.
Temperance, or self-control,
was displayed by our Savior born to us—Jesus Christ. He stayed the course to
the cruel cross, suffering its shame, to win the souls of those who would
believe in Him. Remembering Christ’s attitude helps us to have an attitude of
self-control, of ruling our own spirit. We are grateful for our Lord’s
endurance, our Lord’s passion, our Lord’s love for us.
WHEREFORE
seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us
lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us
run with patience the race that is set before us.
Looking unto
Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before
him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand
of the throne of God.
For consider
him that endureth such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be
wearied and faint in your minds.
Hebrews
12:1-3
Wicked people, lions,
tigers and bears, and even bad weather can fill the streets by getting in through the crumpled walls of a broken down
city. Likewise, a broken down spirit is vulnerable to
someone lesser than God. What maintenance is required
for the healthy upkeep of a believer? How can one rule his spirit?
The Holy Spirit Himself is
able to help us! We can be temperate when we turn to God in prayer. God is able to give
us the courage to face a difficulty with faith intact. God is able to
clear and transform our mind and strengthen and guide our heart and spirit. The Holy Spirit is the maintenance required! Prayer is an effective way to help a person rule his spirit!
Go, gather
together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and
neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast
likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law:
and if I perish, I perish.
So Mordecai
went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
Esther
4:16-17
Queen Esther displayed
temperance. She maintained her composure when approaching the king, having clearness of mind and firmness of purpose amidst the possibility of certain
death. Her faith in God gave her courage to proceed. She was able to control
her emotions through a life-threatening time. She prayed. She
fasted. She submitted her will, her spirit, to God’s rule in her heart, honoring
His will over her own life.
An elm tree holds up in
the winter landscape. So we endure trials. We trust through prayer and remember
the ninth fruit of the Holy Spirit—self-control, or temperance. Even if others mock us, we keep praying. We know it is written that maintained confidence in the Lord will be richly rewarded. God is the
Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him—who pray believing.
May this year be the year of great faith, prayer, and self-control.
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