OLD GROWTH GOODNESS

Across the planet there are discussions about how to protect old growth forests.  Wildfires in Canada, Australia, United States and South America have all had an impact on several forests that have grown over a long period of time. To be designated an old growth forest, the requirement is that the forest will have developed over a period of at least 120 years and will have withstood fire, storms, and logging.  These forests are precious because they create amazing conditions for soil nutrition, plant growth, protection of animal life and so on. God's word uses the picture of old growth trees – trees with deep roots – to reveal to us a picture of the value of experience 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) 

Experience over time is something treasured in recovery circles.  Many of us have been refreshed and encouraged by the stories and advice of old-timers. They have lived through ups and downs and experienced what has worked in their recovery and what has failed. 

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. God promises we will become one of those successful old-timers by living life in recovery with Him.  God also uses a picture of trees to help us understand how beautiful life in heaven will be.  Today's question is, "What am I putting into practice today so I can become an old-timer who is blessed by God?"

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 grow strong, regardless of what I may encounter.  Also, help me to learn from the experience of old-timers as they support me in my life with You in recovery.  Amen