Be the Tree [Bonus, Part 2]
By Steven Snyder
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 KJV)
The second half of our Scripture eludes to us as “trees of righteousness.” I would even paraphrase this for today as “trees of wholeness” or “trees of health.” Once we are able to draw deeply and be anointed with the oil of joy as Isaiah describes, then perhaps we can be such a tree:
Trees turn poisonous air into good air.
Trees shade us from the sun, which, although is vital, can also kill us without any protection from it.
Trees hold the earth in place when the elements work to soak and scatter it, so that it makes a firm foundation beneath our feet.
Trees die and are harvested for our food and shelter and, in much of the world, for energy to cook our food and keep us warm at night.
We cannot spread health, peace, and wellness if we are not healthy ourselves. We cannot overflow with rivers of living water without drawing deeply enough to first fill ourselves up.
Draw deeply from the well of God; strengthen your spirit, mind, and body; take care of yourselves; and stay healthy. Draw deeply and drink until you experience healing and can be that life-supporting, shade-giving tree. Empathize with people’s anxiety, and respond always with love and patience. When you are able, give them food if they are hungry. Give them shade if they burn from the unforgiving sun. Provide stability when the earth shifts beneath their very feet.
Prayer
God, fill us to overflow so that our abundance of peace and joy flows across this stricken land. Be glorified by the joy, peace, rest, and cool living water that we bring to others, as the worldly things to which they hold fast continue to forsake them. Let them see that Jesus is the answer. Amen.
