Mesquite

From a distance, the shrub looked like any other during the spring, with tender, delicate shoots of young green leaves beginning to emerge from branches. So, I went closer to have a look at what seemed like an oddity in the desert of Arizona. When I got near enough, I was startled to find spears ready to stab me if I got to close.

This happened to be a young mesquite shrub, with very hard, very sharp pointed spears right next to each bud of green, almost like someone had whittled each stick down to a fine point. The spears protect the new growth from predators, and fend off curious humans like me, so the tree can continue to grow and mature in a harsh environment.

We humans are tender, fragile, delicate things surrounded by harsh environments that constantly chip away at our peace and well-being by making us anxious and nervous.

On a global scale, there’s an abundance of destruction and conflict. On a personal scale, we are easily damaged, wounded and offended by harsh or careless words, unforeseen circumstances, accidents, gossip, bullies, internet trolls, and on and on and on. Without some form of defense, we would be devoured.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he describes what our defense, our protection, our spiritual spear, is – prayer: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT).

Prayer with gratitude brings peace.

Does prayer make the issues magically disappear? Not necessarily.

But prayer does provide us mental and spiritual defense, relief and peace, so we can continue to grow and mature in our faith by demonstrating our reliance on God.

By presenting our requests to God and expressing our thanks to Him, instead of wrestling with all of our needs and troubles and worries and concerns, we can rest in the knowledge He is in control (Psalm 55:22).

How are you protecting yourself?