Thoughts from the Berry Patch

You never know what will happen when you go berry picking.

As we were picking berries yesterday, God gave me an interesting thought. Berry picking is like our walk with the Lord. We labor in the fields, picking fruit in its due season. Despite any of our doubting thoughts of being effective, we continue to work. Yet, as I was standing over a seemingly well picked-over bush, I noticed one dark berry close to the ground, so I bent down to get it. As I was kneeling, I happened to glance up at the (big) bush from the ground and there were a TON of ripe, giant berry clusters underneath the bush.

This lead me to another thought--our walks with God are completely changed when we have the right perspective. If we only stand continuously, we can sometimes get frustrated at the lack of fruit we pick or feel that we are not being "effective enough". Yet, it's when we kneel AND sit at Jesus' feet, it's then we see the handiwork of God. From our humble view of looking up, we can more easily see the hand of God cultivating and laboring alongside us. It is even then that the fruit will sometimes fall easily off the branch and land in our baskets. The more time we spend on our knees, the more we see what God is doing.

This morning, as started praying for peace and truth to be known in some really difficult situations/areas in my own life, I could feel my perspective change. As I literally felt like I was sitting at the feet of the One whom I love most, I could feel my burdens ease and my heart rejoice. I keep thinking of the verse, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget none of His benefits" (Psalm 103:2)

What I've Found to be Benefits of Spending Time at Jesus' Feet:
-Joy that bubbles over

-Actual Peace that completely fills your heart and causes Joy
-Hope for the future

-Love for those you are frustrated with
-The ability to pray blessing and be thankful for people you don't like or are irritated with
-Contentment in HIM

-Forgiveness in that you are actually able to let go of the hurt
-Comfort in the Shepherd's embrace

-Companionship of a friend who is closer than a brother

-TRUTH.

What I Feel When I (personally) Don't Spend Time With God:

-Fear that completely grips your entire heart, sometimes making you feel crippled

-Dismay that causes you to immediately panic

-Anxiety that causes you to to feel helpless

-Depression that causes you to want to give up

-Discontentment that causes you to commit jealousy

-Bitterness that causes you to hold past offences against people

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season" (Psalm 1:3)

I say there's no true comparison, is there? This is definitely not saying don't labor in the fields--NO! Work harder, if anything! But, remember the source of Living Water, the One who "rejoices over you with singing" (Zeph. 3:8). When you find yourself faint of heart, hit your knees and YOU will find strength!

Looking Up, 

Anna