That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields it fruit in season and whose leaf does nto wither; whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:3)
I spent my summers as a youth at my grandfather’s cabin on the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country. It’s still my favorite place to visit. I always find God’s peaceful presence during a stroll along the riverfront.
Ancient cypress trees line the banks, their roots shooting deep into the river. Their bows tower overhead, a celestial highway for squirrels and a welcome shade from the Texas summer heat. Some of the cypress are bent towards the river in skewed angles, ravished by centuries of pounding floodwaters. Yet, they stand, produce plump fragrant cypress balls, and each spring burst into an array of green which casts dancing shadows along the riverbank. Their trunks expand in circumference and their roots spread to hug the bank in sturdy strength.
When I look at these cypress trees, they bring to mind a strong, firm faith in God that is solidly founded and deeply rooted in His Word, the Living Water. May my faith be that way. When life floods in and pressures me, I might bend, but I won’t break because of the sturdiness of my faith. I want the fruit of my labor to be as fragrant as those cypress balls, and my prayers a sheltering for others from the harshness of this world–just as the cypress limbs are a shade from the hot rays of the summer sun.
However, my circumference, like the cypress tree’s trunk, also seems to be growing with age…that I’d rather not emulate.
Where Did You Find God Today? 
I too grew up in the south and enjoyed those wonderful cypress trees. Great blog and wonderful analogy. But think of the circumference as expanding your sphere of influence in the family of God. Many times I think back over the friendships God brought into my life and I enjoy the saying, “Make new friends, but keep the old. Some are silver, some are gold.” We are rich, precious friend.
When we all get home I believe there will be those greeting us at the gates, those we’ve influenced without ever realizing the way God used our words and love and comfort to bring them close to Him.
So bring on those cypress knees and enormous trunks, just another sign of His growing us up in Him to stand firm and occupy ’til He comes!
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Great post – enjoyed reading it.
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In Isaiah 55,13 I wondered what a Cypress tree was, so thank you for explaining it. Not sure what a Myrtle tree is, but believe they are more familiar to me. I’m from NE.
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