Meditation

As I write this article, Kevin is outside my window, chainsaw blaring, as he trims a few of the trees that border my neighbor’s property. I typically enjoy work like that, but this requires the work of a professional. Kevin has done this work for years, uses the saw like a scalpel, and knows the consequences of his cuts.

In our spiritual life, there comes a time for pruning. Solomon writes in the Book of Ecclesiastes, that there is a time for planting and a time for uprooting. There are also times for growing, harvesting, and pruning. Some seasons are more enjoyable than others, but they are all part of, and necessary for, the deepening of our relationship with God. Ultimately, in all these times and seasons, they are to point us into the deeper reality of God and to know Him better. David writes in Psalm 52:8, “I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” Yet let us also hear David’s words from Psalm 13, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” David pours out his heart to God on more than one occasion, feeling the cuts and bruises both physically and spiritually. Yet the conclusion of his experience can be summarized with the words, “I will praise You forever, O God, for what You have done. I will trust in Your good name, in the presence of Your faithful people.” (Psalm 52:9)

No matter in what season we find ourselves, we are called together as the body of Christ. Let us strengthen, encourage, and comfort one another in the promises of God. If you find yourself in a season of pruning, trust that He is the true professional who knows exactly what He is doing. He will restore you!

– Mark Bankson Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church