As previously mentioned in one of the articles, we have a big beautiful tree in our garden and now that it is winter, it has no leaves. We spoke about the tree going into a rest period and even though it seems as if everything died, it is in fact still growing and rejuvenating itself, getting ready for spring. Just like the tree, we often go through dry and still periods, which once seen through, becomes periods of growth. This in turn leaves us with more life experience, ultimately preparing us for next season in our lives. If you did not read that article, please follow this link: ADD LINK TO “BE STILL” ARTICLE.
John 15:1 – 8 says: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.”
When we talk about a beautiful tree, even when it carries beautiful leaves, you often find that one or more of the branches are dry, shapeless and with nothing growing on it. I saw just that, whilst I was pruning rose bushes this winter, and I realised that so many of the branches were dry and had to be cut off completely. I knew that new branches will grow and that just like last year, the roses that will appear in spring, will be even more beautiful than the year before.
Looking at a dry branch, it sometimes simply falls apart by itself and other times it is difficult to cut it off, because of the severity of the dryness. Without nourishment and water, the branch could end up dying and then needs to be removed completely in order to save the tree. Then again, all the branches might look intact, but the leaves, although green, have holes in them, which is a clear sign of sickness. Whether a dead branch or leaves with holes in them, it is a clear sign that the tree is sick and needs treatment in order to avoid it from dying completely. Now, if the tree is dry or sick, the water that must feed the routes, will keep it going, but the sickness will eventually kill the tree. You need to determine the cause and then remove the challenge, like cutting off the dead branches and giving the tree medicine.
The same applies to our own lives. Often there are things that cause people to dry out, and when not addressed, it leaves them stressed, depressed and sick. Sometimes, it is having to forgive and release people whom have hurt you. Other times, it is removing yourself from people, who contaminate you instead of building you up and helping you to grow. It could also be that you need to make changes in your life regarding the decisions you make and what it is that you feed your brain.
It is kind of like the saying, ‘garbage in, garbage out.’ How many times have you heard people saying that Jesus lovers are so conservative and are forever saying not to say or do, this or that? The truth however is that we become what we say and do. Hence, if we speak negative, think negative and choose to degrade, accuse, judge and hate, then it will also become our lives, hence drying us out and stealing our joy. Such things, when it progresses, and are not removed from our lives, will slowly kill us from the inside out and hence, needs urgent attention.
Being planted in Christ is of utmost importance and it allows you to be fed by Living Water. It will bring forth healing and growth, with the result of producing beautiful leaves, seeds and fruit that will last. Furthermore, we need to realise that this Living Water will never run dry and therefore, even though seasons change in our lives, we will always be able to draw from Christ, who will be our comfort and victory in every challenge.
If you are not planted in Christ, and need His salvation, this is where restoration and new beginnings start. Click here now for assistance!
Love in Christ, Princess K