Hosea 14:1-8

 “I am like a green pine tree; your faithfulness comes from me.” Hosea 14:8

In the front yard of my childhood home stands a large magnolia tree. My older brother and I spent countless hours playing under its evergreen shade. In our imaginations, that tree was a military fort, a watch tower, a hideout, a base of operations, a shelter from the summer rain, and much more. Even though I have long since grown up and moved away, I still cherish the memories I created with my brother in that tree.

Now that I am older, I see in this tree a picture of the love and mercy of God: always present, always faithful, always in providing shelter and much needed relief from the storms of this world. Tree imagery is used consistently throughout the scripture to paint a picture of the faithfulness of God and of His followers who find great strength in being deeply rooted in Him. I find great encouragement in the idea that God is my source of strength and that any form of Godliness in my life is ultimately drawn from Him.

Dear Lord, help my life today be deeply rooted in Your love for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.