An Oak Planted by the Mississippi

He is real.  Jesus is still alive.  Yes, I know this because I feel His genuine presence.  I can relax in an inexplicable peace.  I am not hungry for things to satisfy my soul.  I am happy.  I am alive inside.  My worth isn't based on my mood or how someone else treats me.  I am alive inside.

I do not feel the need to argue with those who do not know Him.  His presence alone is proof enough for me.  There are too many, way too many miracles and answered prayers...too many perfect, holy whispers in my heart that corrected me or encouraged me.  Too many scriptures that came at just the right moment.  Too many moments of uncontrolled, self-control!  (Uncontrolled in that God was the one who gave me self-control! I can't control myself by myself.) 

I do admit there have been very hard days.  Days when I feel depressed and discouraged.  Sometimes I feel like my soul gets tired or sad.  But then I read the words of the Lord.  He reminded me on one of those dark days, that I need to abide in Jesus.  (John15: 4)  Then I thought, "Did I read the Bible today?  Did I talk to the Lord?  No.  Ok, that's why I'm restless and depressed.  I'm not abiding!" 

[John 15:4  Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.] 

Just like a tree gets dry and withered in a drought, my soul thirsts for His presence.  And let me be honest, I don't always thirst for His presence because I just want to spend time with Him.  It is more out of desperation to live.  And not just to survive, but to thrive!  To live life abundantly, as Jesus Himself said it. 

The only way I can truly live is to abide in Him. 

Psalm 1: 2-3                                                                            Erin's version

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,                              If I love your Word and read it and think about it
And in His law he meditates day and night.                       and talk to You about it...


He shall be like a tree                                                             Then I'll be just the person you want me to be

Planted by the rivers of water,                                             Always overflowing in Your presence

                                                                                                  and everything that comes with it

That brings forth its fruit in its season,                              I'll display the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace

                                                                                                  patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness 

                                                                                                  and self control) and accomplish my purpose

Whose leaf also shall not wither;                                       I won't feel like I'm dying inside, loathing myself 

                                                                                                or others. 

And whatever he does shall prosper.                             And whatever You put Me to do will prosper! 

                                                                                              People will ask, "Why does everything in her life

                                                                                              seem to go well?  And when it doesn't, how is

                                                                                              she still at peace?"