Tree of Life

​While praying over the new year to come, I saw an image in my heart and decided to create it.  I saw a branch with golden keys growing on it, just as fruit would grow on a tree, and knew the title should be “Tree of Life.” The keys represent wisdom from the Lord, just as we call answers to a difficult situation, "the key."

Scripture speaks about the Tree of Life in several places: the beginning, middle, and end of the Bible. I found it a fascinating study and a great place for us to look at as we prepare for a new year!
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The first mention of the Tree of Life is in the Book of Genesis when God placed the sacred tree in the Garden of Eden for His children to eat, but they chose the forbidden fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil instead. The last is reference is found in Revelation as God promises to reinstate access to the tree for those who obey His commandments. (Genesis 2:9, 3:24, Revelation 22:2) This makes a good history lesson and future promise, but what can the Tree of Life offer us today? In the middle of Scripture, we come to four references that can  apply to us right now.

1. Proverbs 3:18 calls "wisdom" a Tree of Life, and says, “happy is everyone that retains her.” I think this ties into the inspiration behind my photo, because I really believe that God gives practical wisdom (or “keys”) on how to live life. Jesus is happy to give us wisdom when we ask Him!  When His wisdom is our source, happiness results.
   

1. Proverbs 11:30a: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise.” You can actually be a source of God's wisdom for others. As you make godly choices, don't be surprised when people are drawn to your life to find out more!   You can bring life to a dying world, just as the Tree of Life carries life in it's fruit!
   
   
   
2. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick: but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12. The word “desire” means: a longing, a delight, satisfaction. Sometimes our hearts can become weary in waiting for something we long for. When God answers our request, it brings the same delight and joy God intended the Garden of Eden to hold for His children. Hold on to His promises as you wait for His answers!
   
   
   
3. “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4. “Wholesome” has an interesting Hebrew definition: curative, medicine, deliverance, remedy. Did you know that your tongue can release healing? Encouragement, laughter, and love all can come from our tongue, and sometimes that's exactly what people need to hear. On the flip side, the word “perverseness” means: distortion, viciousness, and “breach” means: a fracture, bruise, destruction, hurt, ruin. Gossip, slander, and lying all come through the same tongue. Let's make a conscious choice to use our tongue to release life and healing for others.
   

As we prepare for the year ahead, let's ask the Father for the keys of wisdom for our journey!


Father, I ask You for the wisdom that You have promised. Please show me how to RECEIVE the keys You have for my life and BE a source of healing and life for others!