The shade under the Oak tree

This past Memorial Day we had a BBQ at church. All the church members came round to feast on hamburgers, hot dogs, salad etc. The kids enjoyed their games and the adults enjoyed the conversations. It was a sweltering day, and indeed there was need for a shade. In fact right in front of our church is a great big Oak tree. It has been there ever since we moved into that church building. I have been going in and out of this particular building for over two years and never paid much attention to this Oak tree; until this past Saturday. Now we needed it. Now we needed a shade. Now we needed a covering. Now we needed a banner. We could simply not withstand the heat; it was punishing.

And then as we gathered under the Oak tree, I said to myself; ‘It had been here all along. It did not move. It had always given shade; we had just not needed it’s shade.’

Just like God. God has been there all along. His shade is always there. We might be like I had been, going in and out; not paying attention to the Oak tree. But when you do pay attention, you will see that God has not moved. His functioning has and will be the same: to give life; to protect, to guide and to save. We are the ones that must change. We are the ones who must realize that we are in need of Him. We are the ones that must notice Him and turn. We are the ones who must seek His refuge; seek His protection; seek His love; seek His presence.

He is always there. But until we seek Him, we will not come out from the scathing heat. He is ever present. I pray that we will not be absent, but present in His presence.

Linda Faith
Linda faith is the editor of Jewels Magazine. She co-pastors along with her husband Revival Worship Church, Tampa. She is a prolific writer and powerful speaker, inspiring many women to be all God has called them to be. She is the founder of Joy Women’s conference which reaches out to empower, inspire and motivate women in their faith walk.