The Wind in the Trees

By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:5-6 ESV). One of the best things about Middle Tennessee is the way there are so many different places to just “get away.” Hunting season has just come to an end; and, though I did not get a “wall-hanger,” I had the best time in years. Just being in the woods provides an excellent opportunity to get alone with God. It is usually very quiet except for the sound of the wind blowing through the trees. Sometimes not even the birds disturb the sound of the wind in the trees. Recently, on one of these hunts, I began to recall the passage we read today. What really caught my attention was not that Enoch was “translated” into heaven, but that “he was approved as pleasing to God.” What an incredible thought! He so pleased God that he was taken into heaven. Then it struck me. All that is required to please God is to have faith in Him, to believe Him. Most of the time I spend a great deal too much energy trying to hear or understand God. All that is necessary is for me to believe Him. Like the wind through the trees, I don’t need to know how it works, or even where it comes from. All I need to do is get out in it and I can experience it. So it is with the Holy Spirit. Just get out in Him and we can know His power. That’s a word for all of us in the midst of our busy lives! I am well aware of the near exhaustion that many of you feel today. That would only be normal. We live in a world that does its best to beat us down into submission and defeat. Sometimes it is all we can do to just sit for a w while. However, sitting is an exercise in power. Think of it. Sit still and rest in Him. Let the Wind bath your spirit in healing and renewal. Once you’ve managed to sit a while, then you can stand. We must stand against the evil of this world. Yet, so many people find themselves beaten and discouraged because they never sat long enough or still enough to restore their strength. Can you see it in your mind’s eye? Standing in the midst of the Wind you may find your greatest strength. Now you are ready to run! This time your running will not tire you. In fact the promise of God is that we may run and not be weary putting on wings as if we were eagles to soar the heights above! As busy as you are today, as tired as you may be, isn’t it time for you to take a little walk in the trees of your life? Isn’t it time for you to feel the Wind in your face? Turn your attention to Him today and be restored!