A Tree of Life

/ Gail Johnson

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12 KJV).

If you haven’t observed nature this week, you’ve missed a miraculous event. The difference a day makes is amazing as bare trees transform into colorful blossoming beauties.

Dogwood~Gail Johnson

Dogwood~Gail Johnson

We live in a transient world. Things are constantly changing around us. Through time and change, we quickly learn not to rest our hopes on the world around us as we watch marriages fail, finances fail, peace treaties fail, and dreams fail.

If not careful, we begin judging everything based upon these changes. We lose hope. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick,” said the wise man.

Yet, in this ever-changing society in which we live, there is a constant—a solid Rock—a veritable Refuge—an unmovable, unshakable foundation—an Anchor. And no matter where we are today, He is there with us. Whether it is a sea of affliction, a financial wilderness, or a valley of suffering the Lord is with us. He knows what is best because He has searched us and known us. He has placed us exactly where we need to be at this moment in time.

Oh, dear friend, if you are struggling, if you’re sad and hurting, let me assure you, God is on your side. He hasn’t forsaken nor forgotten you. You are His treasured possession. You are in His hands. All else may fail but He will never fail you. He has promised to deliver you.

Just as a bare tree will bloom in springtime, hope will spring forth once more bringing new life. “But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” Every winter must have a spring. So keep your eyes upon the Lord and remember He sees our needs and hears our prayers.

Reflection

What are you going through at this time? How is God helping you? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment here or you can find me on Facebook here. Send me a friend request.

 

 

 

 

 

Can You Praise Me, Now?

/ Gail Johnson / 2 Comments

For I am the LORD, I change not (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

 

Praise, like water cascading over a mountainside, spews forth in times of prosperity and victory. Yet, it is the disciplined mind focused amid conflict, disruption, and affliction that is able to sing the praises of Him Who has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. This distinction separates the seasoned from the novice.

It is a lesson not easily learned. But, once learned the benefits are unforgettable.

Paul and Silas knew the secret. They sang at midnight while in prison! Although the enemy had disrupted their lives, he had not stolen their peace!

 

True Story

In 2004, I had a physical problem that just wouldn’t go away. No one knew exactly what it was. Poison Ivy? Poison Sumac? Poison Oak? Whatever it was nothing worked on it!
It consumed my every thought.
Nothing I tried helped. And believe me, I tried several remedies. I went so far as to try a home remedy. No. Vinegar didn’t work. Yes, I smelled like pickles.

It seemed like the more I prayed the worse it became.

Now, we all know a battle easily won is not always remembered. But a battle of attrition will eventually bring you to the end of yourself. And guess what. That’s where you’ll find God waiting.

In my affliction, God was teaching me something—and giving me something.
While lying on the floor, begging for relief, I heard a still small voice. “Can you praise Me now?”

At that point, I was willing to try anything! I began to praise Him while still on the floor. Then something arose inside of me as memories of His faithfulness rolled through my mind. No longer was I focused on my problems, but on the One Who could change my circumstance.

The itching and the pain eased. It wasn’t too long after that every sign was gone.

From that experience came healing and the song ” He Is Still God.”

 

Reflection

If you’re in the midst of a struggle and nothing has helped, try giving God praise. Recall what He has done. Then declare:

As His child, God directs my steps.
He orders my life.
I will yield to His hands.
I will claim His Word.
I will cling and declare His promises.
I will stand believing.
He will deliver me!
I will not accept defeat!
I will think on His past faithfulness.
For by His grace, I will finish this race victoriously!

Press On!

Stand by Me

/ Gail Johnson

As a singer, it’s never enough just to sing a song. I want to know who wrote it and what moved them to put pen to paper and tell the world their inner thoughts. The more I know about the song, the more the words resonate with me as I realize this person understands my present struggles.

Charles Tindley

Charles Tindley/Wikimedia

As a budding author, my eyes often wandered to the upper right-hand corner of the page in search of the author.

I  noticed the songs Nothing Between, Stand By Me, We’ll Understand It Better By and By, and Leave It There had something in common. They were all written by Charles A. Tindley.

I thought I would share what I found about this brave and humble man.

Robert J. Morgan in his book, Then Sings My Soul, Volume 2 tells the following:

 

  • Born into slavery.
  • He used bits of newspaper found along the roadside to teach himself the ABC’s
  • Took correspondence courses. “Thus while I was unable to go through the schools, I was able to let the schools go through me.”
  • Called an unlettered ignoramus
  • Became a pastor
  • Established soup kitchens
  • Opened his church to the homeless in cold weather
  • Knew criticism, abuse, hard and many opposition

Did he understand the depth of what he was writing? I believe so.

Do I?

When I sing those familiar songs, do I sing them with the same passion as he felt when putting pen to paper? I wonder.

I admit, it’s easy to open my mouth and let the words fly out without ever thinking about the message. But when I think of all this man went through, something inside me begins to stir.

For the same God that he wrote about is the same God I serve today. And no matter what may come my way He will never fail me.

I believe Charles A. Tindley knew, understood, and wrote about that truth.

Stand By Me~Charles Albert Tindley ~Public Domain

When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me; When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me. When the world is tossing me, Like a ship upon the sea, Thou Who rulest wind and water, Stand by me.

Read more here

Stand by Me is a prayer from a determined heart who understands his relationship with his God. It is about casting all cares on God because He cares for us, and then standing on His promises knowing He will deliver.

If you’re interested in more on this subject I recommend buying the books by Robert J. Morgan. It is definitely worth the read!