Some Chords that Bind, Help us Grow!
2 Words in 1
Some Chords that Bind, Help us Grow!
As a nursery raises a small tree, they will sometimes place ropes around its trunk from multiple directions. These ropes are anchored firmly and then pulled until tight.
The effect of this is to strengthen the young tree so that it’s shallow roots don’t give way in the inevitable storms which will come. They also help to guide the young tree, so that it grows upright and does not lean. After all, the direction it grows when it is young, will impact it for life.
With so much nourishment, time and energy invested in the tree, this protective system shows wisdom. Yet as the tree continues to mature and grows strong the ropes must eventually be removed or they will scar the tree and hinder its growth.
This God given analogy – given to me this morning in prayer – reminds me of numerous things. First, in relation to myself I see how He has placed a hedge of protection around me to thwart the attacks of the enemy and to protect me over the past 7 years as I have been maturing in Him.
Like the ropes tied around the young tree, I have been the recipient of His strength, His protection and His continual guidance. Meanwhile my roots have grown in depth and spread out wide so that the storms which would have once blown me over can now be withstood.
I confess, the latter portion of this revelation was unsettling. As much as I find comfort in my Father’s support system, the thought of it being removed invoked a fear response.
Yet as I ponder Proverbs 22:6 it all comes together. “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
After a period of guidance, the direction of growth becomes set and the removal of the ropes is not an act of abandonment. It is a statement of confidence from the Gardener that what He has sought to accomplish at this delicate stage of growth, has been completed.
He will continue fertilizing the soil, prune as needed, and should a terrible storm cause great damage to the tree, He will secure those familiar ropes in place as a temporary measure of support.
If you understand what I am saying and receive it give glory to God for He is most worthy of praise!
Dealing with The Past
Father, help me to not be ensnared by the condemnation I have associated with my past.
Help me not to become focused on the seeming uncertainty of the future.
Rather, help me to keep the eyes of my heart in tune with the present.
Therefore, as I live in each moment may I experience the peace of Your presence.
Romans 8:1, Isaiah 43:25, 44:22, Hebrews 8:12, Matthew 6:25, 6:34
~ Mitch Salmon
Mitch Salmon 
is the founder of Fisher of Men Productions and a follower of Jesus Christ and proclaimer of the Good News – The Gospel of Christ Jesus!
Thank you for these Words.
The comparison with the tree is really good.
The Bible says on my language in Jeremiah 5:24 “He prunes” (or cut) “us at the appointed times” Just like a tree so we can grow stronger and bring fruit at the right season.
“He reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest,” Jeremiah 5:24.