Under the Canopy
The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. Genesis 18:1 NIV
When I was a child, my maternal grandfather and I would go to the swing set between the garage and barn and talk for hours. That was my safe place and he always made time for me. As we sat in the swings, our discussions covered a wide variety of topics. I enjoyed his love of nature and wisdom. He taught me about trees, all their names, leaf shapes and fall colors. Brenda L. Yoder (Mornings with Jesus) shares her thoughts about nature and the great canopy of trees.
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I recently started a new Bible reading plan in Genesis for my morning devotions. Many stories were familiar. I wondered if I’d learn anything new. I became curious when details about great trees caught my attention, particularly in Abraham’s life. In recent months I often marveled at the trees around me. What was Jesus trying to teach me? What was the purpose of the mighty trees in Abraham’s story?
I thought about the trees in our backyard that border a creek and the cattle pasture. We have a swing underneath a tree that I often sit on and talk to Jesus. I feel protected and safe there. It’s my hiding place when life is challenging. Jesus, through trees and nature, calms and sustains me. Did such trees shelter Abraham too?
My thoughts went from trees to people with whom I feel safe. Like trees, these people have a strong yet sheltering presence. Reading the Genesis passages, I noticed Abraham camped near these mighty trees. I wondered who might be “camping” near me, because they, too, needed a gentle, sustaining presence—maybe Linda, who experienced multiple losses, or Amy, who went through a divorce. I often encouraged them or tried to have a listening ear. It wasn’t much. But under the canopy of great trees, good friends, and Jesus, a safe shelter is always found.
FAITH STEP: Sit under a tree or look at trees through the window. As you feel Jesus’s presence, pray for those who also need His shelter and reach out to them.
Loving Lord, thank You for being our shelter and refuge. Please give us strength and a caring heart to be that for others in need. AMEN.