Did you take the candidate’s announcement of his departure from the race as hard as so many folks did? While I was making dinner my husband held his cell phone so I could see the video and hear the crowd’s protests.
Some voiced disbelief, some shouted, “No!” Some groaned. Soon my social media was flooded with messages of despair for the state of the election and our country.
Who are you going to trust?
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes” (Psalm 118:8-9 NKJV).
A few weeks ago, I wrote about my dead-looking apple tree, which I’d pruned too severely, rallying to produce a bloom. The photo shows chopped bald branches supporting one brave blossom stretching its neck to the sun. Here’s the post.
My husband teased that my crop would consist of one lonely apple this year, but just a week after the blossom shriveled, the branches busted forth with new life. Now the tree is covered with greenery, with apples the size of small walnuts hiding in the leaves.
I hadn’t lost hope for that tree. I’d seen enough seasonal changes to believe life could return to what looked doomed.
Don’t give up hope, just put it in the right place
“. . . where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV).
It’s a tricky thing to keep balanced, keeping our minds focused on the truth that God is in control and nothing threatens his plans—and yet working to make our world a better place.
I just need to remember who the master builder is, and that it’s not wise to put my trust in wishes, promises, or plans that originate in the human mind. It is better to trust God.
Prayer: I want to pray for our leaders, Lord. Forgive, heal, cleanse, and lead them in your ways. Work through their hands to make yourself known to the people they lead and to the world. Thank you for your kind attention to us and our needs—you’re doing a great job! Amen.
by Kathy Sheldon Davis
kathysheldondavis.com 
Thanks, Wanda! I cringe at the word, but severe has to happen sometimes.
I am so thrilled your tree is making it. We so the same to our rose bushes….Severe cutting back for most things is new life. I love the pictures.