No More Wilting

​My poor rose bush. It’s been a tough few weeks for it.  Of course, there’s been the lack of rain and excessive heat. But it has also been under attack by Japanese Beetles, cutworms, and something called black-spot fungus. (You'll never guess why it was given that name!?) 
 
When our rose bush is healthy, it is beautiful—speckled with colors of pinks, yellows, and orange.  But lately, the picturesque flowers have given way to an increased number of brown leaves and bare branches.  Between Amazon, Home Depot, and Wal-Mart we’ve thrown all kinds of powders and sprays at that poor plant.  Fortunately, after investing a good deal of time and money, we are nursing it back to health.  It will take some time yet before all the bugs are gone and fungus dissipates.  Nature may still throw another deflating obstacle our way (i.e. spotted lantern flies).  But slowly and surely, our roses will bloom full force again.
 
Aside from the oppressive heat, what’s been eating away at you lately?  What frustrating outside factors have caused your leaves to go brown?  Summer vacation plans that have been cancelled.  Unexpected cost of car repairs or the need for a new air conditioner.  Sickness and diagnosis of a loved one.  Sideline drama with another team parent or frustration with an estranged family member.
 
This is not an easy world to live in. Tough weeks come for more than just rose bushes. We know this to be true. But so does our Heavenly Father, which is why His word is ever-present to encourage and comfort us.  An underlying theme of our most recent Sunday morning psalms have called us to perseverance and trust in the midst of life’s moments that are more burdensome than beautiful. For example, in Psalm 30:1-2 we read, “I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.”  Or in Psalm 34:8 which declares, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”  We may not be bombarded by beetles and bugs, but nevertheless we do feel the weight of the perpetual brokenness of this world.  Thanks be to God, that our help is in Him.  He comes to our rescue, not with magic powders or quick-fix sprays, but with the blood of our Savior that flowed from the cross.  No more wilting. He gives us His word and the love of Jesus to nurse us back to health—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
 
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.” (Psalm 130:5)
 
“It is only when you reach the very bottom, when everything falls apart, when all your schemes and resources are broken and exhausted, that you are finally open to learn how to completely depend on God.” (Tim Keller)