STUNTED SHRUBS
Today's reading: Jeremiah 17-21

"This is what the Lord says, Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives." Jeremiah 17:5-6 NLT

You see it in your mind, don't you? A shriveled, barely there, attempt at a bush kind of plant growing amidst the sand dunes and whitened cattle skulls?

You wonder how it lives. You think about its purpose. You compare it mentally to the manicured topiaries in fancy parks and gardens.

Maybe you don't just see it--you feel it's pain.

You, please take no offense, are the stunted shrub.

You are living, not thriving. You are existing, barely. You look and feel windswept, shallow-rooted and dry.

You know why, too. It's your decision that's placed you in this predicament. Your lack of time at the Lord's feet. Your choice not to have faith in Him, but rather in others--who have let you down hard. It's the life you've chosen, without realizing how all encompassing the decision would be.

You can come back. You can seek His restoring, re-planting and redemptive love. You can take part in one of life's most amazing make-overs!

Well, stunted shrub, are you happy in the desert?