Thorns and Thistles

I’m not angry. I care. Even if it gives me thistles and thornbushes,
I’ll just pull them out and burn them up.
Let that vine cling to me for safety, let it find a good and whole life with me,
let it hold on for a good and whole life.” Isaiah 27:4-5

God has created in Israel a beautiful vine that will produce fruit all over the world. Even if that vine is not perfect and produces some thorns and thistles, He will get rid of those as the vine clings to Him for safety and life.

In my life, God will pull out and burn up that which is not producing fruit, that which is not like Him, if I will but cling to Him for safety and life. I will not take my faults and failures to heaven if I trust Him and stay connected to the vine.  I love the words, “I’m not angry. I care!”  I hear, work hard and stay close to Me and I will weed out the thistles and thornbushes in Your life. I have found Him to be a faithful gardener, pulling the weeds in my life and not just throwing them aside to take root again but burning them up.

Jesus, thank You for knowing that weeds will try to grow and drain life from the fruit of the spirit in my life, but You, O God, are the Master Gardener who cares and keeps my garden clean and fertilized with Your Holy Spirit of truth.  That analogy is good only as long as I invite You to prune and weed as needed. Jesus, work in my life as You see the weeds, thorns or thistles and bring life as I trust in You.