Tree of Faith
The spiritual journey of following Jesus has seasons that are common to believers. Some of these could be called roots – the beginning and deep experiences or mid journey surprises that occurs that will ground our faith journey for its entirety.
The first time we hear a story of Jesus told in such a way that we realize he was speaking to us as well as to ancient peoples.
The first time we help in a worship service and feel a sense of belonging to the Body of Christ.
The first time we experience betrayal or conflict after choosing to follow Jesus and truly wrestling with what is means to be a Christian: non-violent, spiritual truth teller with rights and responsibilities.
These faith journey moments are like tree roots: they need constant care and attention (moisture, seasons, good earth and soil)
In faith times arise repeatedly such as the grace filled and mysterious encounters with the Holy Spirit and the challenges of learning and living out our faith in daily life.
Scriptures can help our roots be nourished and our growing edges be stretched. For example, ancient words of praise or Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness.
Deuteronomy 32:1-3
Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
May my teaching drop like the rain, my speech condense like the dew,
like gentle rain on grass, like showers on new growth.
For I will proclaim the name of the Lord, ascribe greatness to our God!
Matthew 18: 21-22
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if my brother or sister sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.”
Pray together now: Holy God, you are beyond all our imagining and yet closer to us than our bone marrow. You sent Jesus to help us learn about your patience and love for us. Thank you. You send us your Wisdom in the Holy Spirit to inspire our growth through our faith journey -both the joy and the sorrowful times. Stay in our lives and help us remain rooted in your ever generous grace and understanding. Help us maintain strong communities that allow us the “good soil” of stability, wisdom, learning and love. Following Christ we pray, Amen.
Image of an apricot tree from Heinz Reisenhofer's collection on pexels.com