Life Remains

Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it. - Psalm 80:8

This verse speaks of the Israelites being brought out of Egypt as a people who were immature in their knowledge of God. He led them into the promised land and enabled them to defeat their enemies to take possession of it. They established roots and grew into a great people, like goodly cedars with more knowledge of Him. The following verses symbolically speak of this truth. They go on to say that, at some point, God seemingly withdrew His protection from the strong tree. It became vulnerable prey that was devoured by wildlife and those who passed by. It was seemingly destroyed.

Sometimes, we may receive a promise from God, and everything goes well. Then, for one reason or another, it all goes awry. We are faced with unexpected troubles that catch us off guard. The situation that was once flourishing now looks hopeless. Several verses in chapter 80, including the last one, say, “Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved”. We must be like the Israelites who, instead of giving up, continued to cry out to God. Repent, if necessary, and continue to trust Him. Remember that the beautiful, strong tree was planted by Him and rooted. God is the giver of life and roots sustain life. Therefore, no matter how bleak it looks, life remains. Stand on the promises, draw strength from the godly roots you have established, and know that it is not over. There is salvation in the Lord. What appears to be an ending can be your new beginning.

The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts. – Haggai 2:9