by
miss goldenrod 
Whenever I look out my bedroom window, I see a dead branch with hundreds of dead twigs. As a horticultural tech, my first impulse is to pull out my pruning shears. Unfortunately, the branch leaves the trunk about 25 feet off the ground. For days, the Holy Spirit has been showing me this branch; he even had me take a picture of it.
About two months ago, I began slacking off with my relationship with God. Laziness plus difficulties in finding a church made me rather apathetic. I always told God I wanted to write, to share the things he shows me with other people...but why would he do that after my ignoring him? Why would he use my fingers to share his incredible wisdom if I wasn't even giving him a chance to share it with me?
About a month ago, Revelife posted a few of my pieces...and then a few more. Then they invited me to become a contributor, with an official name. I was floored by God's mercy and grace. Even now each time I see my name, I'm overwhelmed by the feeling of God's love for me. He would do this...through
me? Why?!
It's so foreign to see my posts there. I wrote in my journal to God just now, "
How is this me, this person I don't recognize? Each time I see my name on that site, I'm astounded at what you did. Is this how you see me?" I certainly don't see myself that way. All I see are my many, many mistakes and shortcomings.
...and I'm looking at the branch.
I feel the Holy Spirit telling me that from my living room sofa, I only see a very tiny portion of the tree. From the street, you can't really even see the dead branch. Besides, what a small matter it is to simply cut the branch off. It most likely will just fall off on its own one day during a storm.
Then I looking at this picture, shot from the ground, and I just feel God say that he doesn't see us for our dead, broken parts...but for the growth we've made above that.
You have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. I am overwhelmed by how much you have done for me. Psalm 71:7-8, 15, NLTDo you ever feel dead inside? Has God ever revealed himself to you during one of those times?
Comments (9)
good to hear you're being blessed by contributing to Revelife. we're blessed too
Thanks for your contributions to Revelife!
I did have an experience like this. One of the times I was first in the hospital with complications from Crohn's, I was feeling really dead spiritually. I actually thought I might have gone too far for God's mercy because I had been having so much trouble trusting Him or connecting with Him during my illness. I prayed without expecting much, but I instantly felt His arms come and hold me in my hospital bed. Since then I've had much more assurance that no matter how dead I feel, He is never going to let go of me.
thank you so much for your post, it very encouraging and was exactly what i needed to read...i almost got a little weepy, lol!
The title of this post made me think of the first verse of a song by a guy that I know. This is it:
I see a mountain, You see a miracle,I see a wasteland, You see a garden,
I see dry bones, You see an army,
I see impossible, You see everything.
When I read the title, I immediately thought of the passage in Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones. Bones everywhere. Lifeless. But then transformed into a powerful army.
I think everyone feels that way. Dry inside. Then God lathers us with His mercy and grace.. and His love for us is revealed.
He always shows his majesty when i really feel low. and i'm thankful that no matter how unfaithful and untrusting i am, He always pulls through. He's awesome! and i feel blessed =D
thank you for your posts! i look forward to reading them. God bless you :)