via ChrisOrr @ http://www.creationswap.com
Earlier this week, I shared about all the leaves that I saw swirling around on the ground and what they represent to me regarding the Christian life, the purging of the vestiges of sin and self, the process of sanctification, and the need to abide in Jesus~ all the time.
Today, I feel a lot like this picture I shared from Creation Swap. Do you?
There is a twisted, and very raw kind of beauty that I see when I gaze upon this picture. My body feels the pain from all the pruning that went on this week. Yet, my eyes, mind, heart and soul are thankfully, focused upon that one, small, and beautiful little bud left on the branch. I am thankful for the season to recuperate a little from all the purging. I’m sure there’s more to come, so it’s time to use my time wisely – time to press in – time to abide in a very intentional and focused way.
- I am sore. Literally, the pain in my body returned as of Tuesday and has gotten really hard to deal with.
- I am trudging through my days.
- I am worn out. Mentally, physically, and just plain drained.
- I need to retreat – thank the Lord it’s Friday!
- I need replenishment. BIG doses of replenishment. The Jesus kind.
I don’t understand why we get so tired from all the pruning sometimes. We aren’t really doing the work of it anyway. I tend to believe it’s because we don’t simply submit to it ~ we fight it. Even when we know it’s for our own good, our flesh fights.
If you are weary today, like me, try to focus upon the new bud of life and growth that has been created by the Almighty in your life. You are the branch, and He is the vine.
Let Him feed you…
Replenish you…
Heal you from the fight.
Surrender what has fallen away and, this is really important here…
DON’T LOOK DOWN!
Look up with me, friends. Look up to the One who knows, understands, loves you bigger and better than anyone or anything. The One who is far more important, far more nurturing than that cocoon of leaves that used to surround you and give you false warmth. The One who really loves you. The One who will tell you the truth every single time. The One who saves you from even yourself and the things that you thing are “good” in your life. He’s for real ~ and He only will give us what is truly for our own good, and most importantly, that will bring glory to Him!
And abide. Abide in Him, friend. That’s what this girl is going to be doing.
- He will give us rest…
- We will find joy in the midst of the weariness…
- He will fill us up with Himself…
- And we WILL be healed!
Jesus retreated and spent time with His Father all the time. I think this weekend is a good time for a Father-Child retreat!
Focus with me upon the leaf that’s left. Let it grow and bloom. Remember: it’s time to nurture it. Don’t let shock set in and take over. He’s got us. We have only to rest in Him.
So, stay where you are if you are feeling the need for Jesus. Stay where you are if you feel it’s time to press in, stop moving for a while, and let Him replenish you. Stay where you are if you are tempted to run and jump before it’s time.
Because if we move too soon? Well, just read the verse below and then I’ll let you decide for yourself. 🙂
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15: 4-5
Eyes Wide Open 
Great encouragement! I really like “He’s got us. We have only to rest in Him.” So very true!! Thanks for sharing!
““Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15: 4-5”
First of all, this is one of my favorite verses and thank you for your encouragement Anne :).
“DON’T LOOK DOWN!
Look up with me, friends. Look up to the One who knows, understands, loves you bigger and better than anyone or anything. The One who is far more important, far more nurturing than that cocoon of leaves that used to surround you and give you false warmth. The One who really loves you. The One who will tell you the truth every single time. The One who saves you from even yourself and the things that you thing are “good” in your life. He’s for real ~ and He only will give us what is truly for our own good, and most importantly, that will bring glory to Him!”
Such a great reminder that we shouldn’t be looking down. We should always be focused towards his gloriousnes and goodness. He really does and he is a good father :). Thank you for your encouragement with verses and thoughts you have to share :).