Do you feel like you are hanging on by a thread?
A few months ago, during my morning walk, I noticed a pine cone caught in Spanish moss, gently swinging in the breeze. After a few days, the moss shifted and the cone hung by a strand. Marveling each time I passed under him, I greeted Mr. Pine Cone, admiring how he didn’t worry or fret but just peacefully hung in space.
Then we had a storm. Lightning flashed across the skies, followed by loud thunderclaps. The wind blew, and trees bent low, tossed to and fro as rain cut through the air in furious torrents.
By morning, all was peaceful. Setting out on my walk, I thought Mr. Pine Cone would have been torn from the tree. But to my astonishment, there he hung, swinging gently in the early morning breeze.
Standing in awe, I realized afresh I am safe in the arms of Jesus and worshiped my Creator. This little fellow had no strength. No resources. During the raging storm, isolated and totally helpless as the winds tossed him about, the cone rested in the single mossy strand holding him – and survived!
Have you ever felt like Mr. Pine Cone? I know I have. Looking at him, I knew I had to take his picture to encourage me to trust the Lord during times when I feel like I’m in danger.
Isn’t his story amazing?! Thinking of him, I am encouraged. For two months, he hung midair, abiding with the hanging moss. One calm night, he slipped unnoticed to the ground, his work finished.
Jesus is the Vine
Jesus said, “I am the Vine; you are the branches.” The secret is abiding in Jesus. He is never threatened by the violent storms of life.
When you feel like you are hanging by only a thread, pause. And breathe!
The good news is – Jesus is with you; He will never leave you alone.
Ask yourself, “Am I resting in the Vine?” Jesus calls to you, “Come to me, and I will give you rest.”
Dear Heart,
When buffeted by the storm raging about you, run to the Vine.
Cling tightly to Jesus.
Against incredible odds, the pine cone hung by a thread and has become an example to you to not worry or fret. No matter the odds, in the arms of Jesus – you are eternally safe!
No matter the odds, in the arms of Jesus – you are eternally safe!
One of my favorite songs from childhood, written by Fanny Crosby, who lost her sight when she was six months old, speaks of the safety found only in Jesus.
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast;
There by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! ’tis the voice of angels
Borne in a song to me,
Over the fields of glory,
Over the jasper sea
Refrain:
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast;
There by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe from corroding care,
Safe from the world’s temptations;
Sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow,
Free from my doubts and fears;
Only a few more trials,
Only a few more tears!
Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge,
Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of Ages
Ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait with patience,
Wait till the night is o’er;
Wait till I see the morning
Break on the golden shore.
