Daily Devotional for Friday, November 4

Two Ways of Life

Just outside the building where our church meets is a large sycamore tree that could be a hundred years old. The branches of this tree stretch out across the field in a majestic expression of God’s creative beauty. During summertime, the hot Texas sun beats down on the church property with punishing force. Yet, under the shade of that sycamore one can find a cool break from the penetrating Texas heat. One of our young men even built a six-sided bench at its base for his Eagle Scout project. That bench situated around the great trunk of the sycamore provides a cool place to rest for those working on the property or for our neighbors and friends as they enjoy a walk through the neighborhood. 

Such is the life of a child of God who delights himself in the Word of God and sinks his spiritual roots deep in the cool waters of His law. Seasons and storms will visit the life of every child of God. But the ones who plant themselves in the Word will find their roots deep and their branches strong for every wind that blows. 

Unfortunately, many of God’s children do not invest their lives deep into the well of His Word. When temptations come, they falter. When storms arise, they are tossed to and fro. When the heat of spiritual summers beat down harshly, their leaf withers and fades. 

God allows us to choose which life we lead as He contrasts the rooted and the sifted. He invites us to root our lives in Him so that we may flourish no matter what life brings. Yet, He warns us that we will be tossed and sifted if we fail to find our foundation in His Word.

JUST A THOUGHT: Root your life deep into the Word of God so that you can thrive like the great sycamore.

Steven Ridings