THE POND BY THE WOOD

I hiked to the pond early Friday morn
through rain and mist and woods forlorn,
for the winter had torn limbs here and there,
and a heaviness clung to the morning air.
 
I stood on the bank by the meadow bleak
with my head hung low, down and weak,
for what have I done to deserve great love
from such a Savior and King above?
 
Circles spun on the water’s face
when raindrops fell softly to their place,
and clouds swirled free in the pool’s dark depths
when winds encircled off Heaven’s steps.
 
Then there on the water, the sun came shining!
His words of love to me reminding;
pledging gladness through oaks as the sky turned blue
and encouraging wonder in all things new!
 
What grace shines upon the pond by the wood!
What joy restored and understood!
For I know Jesus loves me with all His heart,
and from me, it never, nor ever, will part.
 
 
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,
to give unto them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
that they might be called trees of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3

THE POND BY THE WOOD

As the woods slowly wake up, we’re happy to think of approaching spring days and renewal. What a great season! But before that great season, the woods reveal fallen branches and debris from winter’s harshness. It’s a time to remember the road to the cross which Jesus Christ, God’s anointed, took. When trekking to the pond, contemplate the hardship Jesus endured for us. When at the pond, pray by the water’s edge. And then, see if you can see the face of grace shining on you.

Did you know there are great places to pray outdoors? A fallen tree can serve nicely as a church pew. A quiet field overgrown with thorn apple trees and shrubs might be the overflow room. A pond by the wood could be the sanctuary and a rock on the bank an altar at which one could talk with God. You know, He wants us to commune with Him.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee,

and show thee great and mighty things,

which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 33:3

The Old Testament records many times when people called upon the LORD. King Solomon had asked God for wisdom. Not only was this request granted by God but God gave him even more for the things he had not asked for.

God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire
and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor,
nor for the death of your enemies,
and since you have not asked for a long life
but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people
over whom I have made you king,
therefore wisdom and knowledge will be
given to you. And I will also give you
wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who has before
you ever had and none after you will have."
2 Chronicles 1:11-12

God richly blessed King Solomon for the things he had asked for and for the things he had not asked for. His life started out great. But did King Solomon have great self-control? Scripture tells us he wandered from obeying God’s commands. King Solomon didn’t lack wisdom but when he acquired seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines, direct violations of God’s Word, we can see a problem with self-control. These women who worshipped pagan gods influenced the king to disobey God.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

King Solomon, son of David, wrote many of the Proverbs in the Bible. The Book of Proverbs is filled with practical counsel on how to follow God, which King Solomon had learned at a great cost. His poor choices in life resulted in God telling him his kingdom would be taken away from him.

King Solomon wrote Song of Solomon, which paints a beautiful picture of what a God-honoring marriage should be, and Ecclesiastes, also written by the king, which declares that nothing is meaningful under the sun except keeping God’s commands. Did a lack of self-control finally bring King Solomon to the realization that it is better to please God than satisfy worldly desires?

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

May we learn from King Solomon that self-control matters to God. I think King Solomon would want us to make the best choices that glorify God.

Delight yourself in the LORD

and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

It is a joy to read the rich promises in the Word of God. I trust you have decided in your own heart to believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

Made in God's image, God must have ears and is listening. He can hear our prayer. He can also read our hearts because He is the Heart-Reader. Keep praying. Be persistent.

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6 

God wants to be in relationship with you and me. Practice prayer. Make prayer a habit. Only a habit can change a habit and you don’t need any other habit. Adding something to our faith and prayer is saying you don’t really believe the payment Christ made on the cross for you was enough. Trust God with your prayer and see what He does.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved.

Romans 10:13

Salvation comes to those who call on Jesus Christ. God sent His Son to die for our sins. Whoever believes will be saved and have eternal life. 

Go to the woods and pray. Or to the pond by the woods. God is waiting for you to ask Him for help with self-control.