May 1

And I’m an olive tree, growing green in God’s house. I trusted in the generous mercy of God then and now”. Psalm 52:8 (MSG)

Have you ever had those dry days, where you feel brittle and broken, dried out and wrung out, in more ways than one? When nothing quite works out the way you thought it might, and hopes long held, lay crumbled like dust in your hands? You know there is more, well, you really want to believe there is more, but even that kind of believing can be hard to do.

Then, into that parched land comes the cool drink of cold water so desperately longed for, in the form of the unbreakable promise of Your Jesus, Your King. He assures you that you are His, and He is yours, and that in His generous mercy there is another way. Into the desert land, on the wings of redeeming love, flows His promise that you will be like an olive tree—beautiful, supple, and strong—able to prosper and flourish even in the driest of places! 

How will that all happen, you wonder, as you look around at the parched ground under your feet? Trust, dear heart—simple trust is all that is needed today. Trust in God’s nature; His character; His strength. Trust in His ability to change things for you, and change things in you, as well. His desire is to transform the barren places into a well-watered garden. A place where you can abide, restored and refreshed, and flourish as the planting of the Lord!

Trust every day, in every way, that you are His and He is yours. Place your joyful confidence in the good things He has planned and promised. See then as beauty replaces ashes and new life in Him replenishes those dry and dusty days!

Oh yes, beloved one, chosen and cherished by God Himself. It is so. Even in the hardest days, rich mercies you will see. After all, you are the child of a King and, precious one, there is no One greater or more worthy of your trust, no One who loves and cares for you more, than He! 

Prayer:

Dearest Lord, You alone know the dry and barren places in my life—how they got that way, and the struggles I am facing, even today.

I read Your promises Lord, and I so want to believe. To trust, lean into Your love, and receive.

Help me today, I pray, to know that Your unending love is forever and that will never change. To trust in all that You have promised; to receive the fullness of all that You have planned.

I know that all that all that comes from You will be better than I could ask for or imagine, because that is in Your heart for me, Lord, and in Your goodness and grace, that is what You always do.

With a grateful heart, and in the Holy Name of Jesus, I pray.