Old Growth Goodness

 Across the planet there are discussions about how to protect old growth forests.  Wildfires from Australia to California to the Amazon have had a negative impact on these forests that have developed over a long period of time.  To be designated as old growth forests they will have developed over a period of at least 120 years and withstood fire, storms, and logging.  They are precious because they create amazing conditions for soil nutrition, plant growth, animal life and so on.  God's word uses the picture of old growth trees – trees with deep roots – to give us a picture of the value of experiencing life together with God over a long period of time.

An evil person tries to hide behind evil; good people are like trees with deep roots. God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night. They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do. (Proverbs 12:12, Psalm 1:1-3 CEV) 

 The verses above suggest that we spend time following God, reading and thinking about what He says works, and then putting those principles into practice.  To achieve "old-growth" status we must stand strong through time.  

 On each side of the river are trees that grow a different kind of fruit each month of the year. The fruit gives life, and the leaves are used as medicine to heal the nations.  (Revelation 22:2b CEV)

Prayer:  Loving God, thank you for being the one in whom I can root my life and persevere through whatever I face in life.  Help me to learn from faithful old-timers and make good choices that will build strength and maturity into my life and recovery.  Amen