Have you ever thought of trees as monuments to God?
Six weeks ago, Candyce Carden asked the following question in her blog post. “What do you value about trees?” In the Company of Trees
I responded, “On Friday, I valued the trees that formed a canopy over our heads as my husband and I waited for a light rain to pass so we could continue our hike. I’ve always loved trees and find them beautiful even when they have no leaves. Their trunks and branches often form unique designs that cause me to pause and take notice.”
Have you noticed the designs and differences in the trees our Lord created? Trees are as unique as people. They come in different sizes and shapes. Some bear fruit, others show off their flowers, and many die before they fulfill their purpose.
We found the tree above on our recent trip to Kauai, Hawaii. I believe it’s a Moluccan Albizia. They are one of the fastest growing trees in the world, with a growth of 15 feet per year, reaching heights up to 150 feet. Amazing giants, but many people in Hawaii consider them an invasive species. Another interesting tree we found was the Cook Pine. I’m used to seeing the pine trees in North America with full branches. The pines in Hawaii looked bare to me, but lovely. The smaller tree in the picture below may be a monkeypod, also a part of the Albizia family.
I found the trees along the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, New Mexico, fascinating as well—their winding branches and the way they blocked our path. We enjoyed our walks in the woods because there aren’t many trees in the desert.
When we moved back to Tennessee a year ago and searched for a home to buy, I told our agent I wanted trees. But the home we purchased had only one small tree, and we removed it due to decay. Last fall we added a redbud, red maple, dwarf Norway spruce, and a serviceberry to our yard. The spruce didn’t make it through the winter, but the others have done well.
Earlier this week I read Psalm 1, another reminder of trees.
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company
of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not
wither—whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)
The godly delight in God’s Word because of the nourishment He provides there. They bear good fruit and produce more to share again with others. I want to produce more fruit in honor of my Lord.
This is what Isaiah 55:12-13 says about trees in The Message.
So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.
The mountains and hills will lead the parade, bursting with song.
All the trees of the forest will join the procession, exuberant with applause. No more thistles, but giant sequoias, no more thornbushes, but stately pines—Monuments to me, to God,
living and lasting evidence of God.
Why do the trees join the procession? They are monuments to God and evidence of Him. May we also be evidence of God, brimming with fruit, bursting with song, and boisterous with applause!