Fox Run Regional Park, Black Forest, Colorado

An always present protection.

When I'd walk through the forest of Oregon with my father he would identify a tree by its bark and needles.  He had spent many years in the timber products industry and delighted in sharing his knowledge. He took great care in his oil paintings to accurately depict specific trees.

Bark has a very important task. It protects trees from those things that would kill them.

"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy." Psalm 5:11 New Living Translation

As many of you know the Pine Beetle has done a horrific job of destroying trees in Colorado. Even much of Rocky Mountain National Park has been affected by this predator. The bark was not able to protect these trees.

We might question God's ability to protect us. We, too, have been affected by horrific events that have shaken us to the core, but so had King David who penned this psalm.

Satan, though alive and well, cannot penetrate so deeply through God's protection that your faith in him is destroyed as you take refuge in Christ. The worm of death destroyed Jesus on his cross, yet through that death he conquered death in his resurrection to life.

What's the name of your "Pine Beetle"? What's trying to penetrate the bark of God's protection and destroy the relationship he has established with you? I encourage you to put a name to it and know that as you take refuge in Christ he will spread his protection around you.

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(Click on picture to enlarge.)

Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.