Upheld

'“My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8)

Examining the landscape

I love the way that images we find in landscapes can teach us so much about life if we are paying attention. Part of the reason that I love photography is because it naturally promotes paying attention to the natural world around us. This simple abstract image of four perfectly spaced trees in the bed of ferns and fallen leaves has so many lessons if you take the time to look at it closely. A forest floor full of ferns very much alive surrounded by dried fallen leaves could take us down the path of life and death or a changing of the seasons of life. The light splayed across the hillside may represent the gift that this light brings as it warms the earth below. The trees so evenly spaced show a scene of cooperation and working together when we realize that the roots are likely intertwined to provide strength and resilience that can be had by working together. As I examined this scene on a steep hillside it brought to my mind the word “cling” as the trees seem to be clinging tenuously but confidently to the hill.

What are we clinging to in life?

Psalm 63:8 speaks about our soul clinging to God in the confidence that He upholds us with His right hand. The deeper our roots grow in faith to Him the more we can withstand the storms of life. Challenging seasons may come and go in life but His grip on us is sure. Planting ourselves in Him and standing near others with which we can share root structures of faith ensure that regardless of the storms we will stand.

If we choose to cling to things in the world that are temporal rather than eternal, we will find only disappointment. Money, fame, travel, toys, bigger houses, cars... these things have no lasting value and if we are clinging to them we will pass away with them when they pass away. It is like clinging to a floating log that is heading over a waterfall. It feels solid so we wrap ourselves tightly around it and then when it is too late, we end up going over the waterfall with it. Cling to what is eternal and lasting so that when this temporary world is taken away, we are not taken away with it.

Joy in the journey

I hope that this post today has been beneficial to deepen your faith and give you joy in your journey of life today. If you have been blessed by it, please pass this along to someone in your life who might find encouragement through these writings.

One more thing… as you cling to God today take time to be thankful for His blessings. Also, take some pictures as you go.

Ken
Psalm 8:3-9