While trimming my hedges today I came across an unexpected sight. A few years ago I had cut down a tree that was interfering with my gutters, and now it was sprouting again.
Although this might not seem like a big deal to you, it reminded me of one of my favorite Bible passages:
“There is hope for a tree, when it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and its shoots will not fail. Though its roots grow old in the ground and its stump dies in the dry soil, at the scent of water it will flourish and put forth sprigs like a plant” (Job 14:7-9).
I don’t know about you, but I can relate to this observation by Job. Time and again, I’ve been “cut down” by life’s circumstances. Yet, here I am, flourishing even in old age.
Friend, there’s hope for you as well! Even if you face the worst of life’s trials, the resurrection power of Jesus can enable you to rise again with new life.
What are you dealing with today? Divorce? Bankruptcy? Cancer? Unemployment? Depression? Grief? Many have encountered such hardships and lived to tell about it.
So now’s not the time to give up! Circumstances meant to sink you may actually bring about a wonderful new beginning.
I’ve always been intrigued by the ending of this passage. Job says even “the scent of water” can cause new life to spring from this disheveled tree.
In the same way, just a small whiff of hope can miraculously revive our discouraged soul. That’s my prayer for you today, my friend.
