A Tree in the Desert: Finding Peace through Forgiveness

“I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together….” Isaiah 41:19

Forgiveness doesn’t always come easy.  Sometimes you have to work at it.  But the gift of forgiveness goes both ways;  not only can it give peace to those you forgive, but it can bring you peace as well. 

There are three blessings of forgiveness, and these three blessings can build a forest of peace and serenity.  We become like “…a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in its season, and whose leaf does not wither”, and we will prosper in everything we do.  (Psalms 1:3)

1. You can enjoy the simple things of life.“You will show me the path of life: in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” ( Psalm 16:11)

2. You create patterns of Godly thought which calm stress and give you strength for success.  “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

3. You gain wisdom and personal growth, and are able to go forward, because “[Wisdom] is a tree of life for those who take firm hold of it. Those who cling to it are blessed.”  (Proverbs 3:18)