Distress Indicators

Crape myrtles are another of my favorite trees, boasting of their beautiful grape-like clusters of flowers. We have only one where we now live, and last year it was severely in need of attention. Lichens (a moss-like growth that attaches itself to vegetation in decline) covered the tree’s branches, proving its distressed state, needing pruning. Its leaves and flowers were few and puny-looking. At the right time, my husband reshaped the tree, gave it a good feeding, and treated the tree’s bark. The crape myrtle slowly recovered. Now in its season to shine and after a good rain, I am looking at the bud-laden tree about to burst into bloom, anxious to join the two flower clusters already boasting their beauty.

A Christian’s weariness and anxieties are signs of life in distress; they will become wearier and non-productive if not treated promptly. Sometimes, the weary can rouse themselves and cast those concerns on the Lord where they belong or seek God’s forgiveness if needed. Other times, God calls on His firmly standing children, led by the Holy Spirit and willing to help fellow believers: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Shower the needy ones with love, not judgment. Feed them with reminders of God’s promises; stand by and encourage them to trust God, who does the cleansing and pruning for His children to recover and be fruitful again—bloom for His glory.