Standing Alone
Vulnerable. Alone. Weathered. Standing strong. These are just some of the words that come to mind every time I see this tree out in the middle of a large field in Cades Cove, TN (a part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park).
It’s big, it has withstood the tests of time and weathered years of relentlessly harsh winter winds, ice and snow – alone. There are no other trees that have formed a huddle of protection against the elements and potential lightning strikes. It stands alone like a sentinel standing watch over its jurisdiction.
It stands alone, and yet there are those who seek and find shelter on its strong branches. Birds, squirrels and other animal life call this tree home. They’ve built nests because they know they’ll be safe within the arms of this stately oak tree. Yet other animals will seek shelter under its massive, leafy blanket when a storm rolls in.
It stands alone, and yet it continues to give not only shelter, but it also produces fruit (acorns) and gives it all away providing food for those that rely upon it.
This tree is an inspiration to me. It draws from its roots for its nourishment. It is alive, vibrant and growing – it’s branches reaching up to the heavens with praise to it’s Maker. It reaches out to those in need and uses what it has for the comfort and good of others. And it gives back. What acorns don’t get stored and eaten by the squirrels will drop to the ground and one day, when this tree is no more, another one just like it will awaken from its earthy slumber and stand alone.
There are times I feel as though I stand alone – alone defending my faith, alone in my walk with the Lord, alone in the mission field He has called me. It is then I drink deep from His Word and I gain the strength to carry on.
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim…to comfort…to give… So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1, 2,3
Do you find yourself feeling alone today? Be encouraged. You are actually an oak of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, in order that He may be glorified.
Thanks for the encouragement sis, love you.
Thank you this made me cry.
That is such a wonderful comparison, thank you for this very special devotional, it is very good, may your day be blessed, and may you be grounded in our lord like the tree with the big roots reaching deep.
Hugs my friend,?
Love this. SOOO beautiful and powerful. love you, sis
Beautiful encouragement, Marsha!
Drinking deeply from His Word….
And though we may sometimes feel alone, God is always by our side! Praise God that in Him we find the strength, nourishment and refreshment we need! =)
Thank you so much for sharing these powerful words. And thank you for the reminder to seek His strength when we feel utterly alone.
Marsha, these words touched my heart today.
The last line made me think of the song for that passage.
Thank you for sharing and the encouragement.