Shalom Online

In the Kofa Mountains of Arizona, jutting majestically from the read granite side of a 2500-foot canyon, are the only native palms in the entire state for years. It has been a mystery how those tropical plants can flourish and remain so strong and luxuriant on the dark, almost perpendicular sides of this narrow gorge. The fact that the sun reaches them only 2 hours a day makes their hearty growth even more of a puzzle. Botanists finally concluded that the stone walls must reflect enough light and store enough warmth throughout the day to enable these trees to thrive in the cold shadows of the canyon!

In these palms we may see a parable. Believers who live in close fellowship with God can stand the oppressive darkness of adverse circumstances. Why? Because the Rock on which they are founded retains all the warmth of heavenly love and comfort they need to keep them in spiritual health. Profitable lives of Christian testimony develop in verdant beauty even in place of great privation. Finding their sufficiency in the Saviour, believers produce the luxuriant leaves of witness and the excellent fruit of praise. Yes in the restricted crevices of pain where the sun of prosperity seldom shines, we often discover the loveliest “trees of righteousness” (Is. 61:3).

Everyone should take time to ponder the greatness of God revealed in nature, for His creation testifies to His tremendous power. We can observe His marvelous handiwork no matter where we live. Whether we dwell in a fertile valley or some remote mountain place, in a teeming city or a quiet country village, we through the wonderful things He has made.
MEL P. OOMMEN