Tumbleweeds
Jeanne Stone Helstrom
If you´ve ever driven across the desert, or another desolate
area, you have no doubt seen the tumbleweeds blowing along with the
wind. I remember “discovering” them when I was a child ~ I
was so fascinated that a bush would roll like a ball across the
landscape, I watched them until they were out of sight, or we veered
around a curve. My dad loved the Sons of the Pioneers, and one of
their beautiful songs contained the words “drifting along with
the tumbling tumbleweeds.” This thought brings to mind a concept
of aloofness could be the sage–colored blowing bushes of the
desert, or a lost puppy or a lost soul.
In Psalm 83, Asaph sings a prayer to God regarding the enemies of
God. He says, “Make them like tumbleweeds, O my God, like chaff
before the wind. As a fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the
mountains ablaze, so pursue them with Your tempest and terrify them
with Your storm.” (vs 13–15). What I picture here is not
one or a few tumbleweeds blowing across the desert in a breeze, but
hundreds of them blowing and rolling with gale–force winds
piloting their path. Just as the enemies Asaph would have the Lord
chase away.
And Isaiah described the desolation of Damascus (chapter 17),
recording how the people had forgotten God, their Savior, and
“although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters, when
He rebukes them they flee far away, driven before the wind like the
chaff on the hills, like tumbleweed before a gale.” (vs. 13).
Have you seen, or known people like this? People who are just
wandering, with no purpose other than to be carried along by the
winds? There may have been a time in our own lives when we had no
direction or ambition, just drifting. Some individuals will wander
across the country, doing odd jobs, making only enough change to buy
their meals, with no destination in mind…just walking without knowing,
or caring, where ~ a nomad, a vagabond, carrying all they own on their
back in a pack.
Sometimes I feel like a tumbleweed in my own home. I know there is
work to be done, but for whatever reason I don’t feel like doing the
task, or most times, there is so much I don’t know where to start.
Like right now, after the holidays, the looming chore of packing away
all the decorations stares me in the face. I’ve done a little at a
time, but often feel like a tumbleweed, going from room to room not
really wanting to commit to the job. Not wishing to go down and climb
up the stairs one more time, my arms laden with boxes.
There are people who are like tumbleweeds when it comes to their
spiritual lives. But many times, and to many people, Jesus said,
“Follow Me.” Such a simple command. But we make it seem so
difficult. Jesus is our example and shows us the kind of life we
should live in order to have eternal life, in order to not wander
aimlessly through life any longer. If sheep were left to themselves
they would be lost in a matter of minutes, and in much danger, because
they really are incapable of taking care of themselves. Jesus also
said, “I am the good Shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know
Me.” (Matthew 10:14).
Do you feel lost at times, maybe like you’re just tumbling around in
the wind? Jesus says, “Follow Me.” Are you wandering in
and out of financial trouble, relationship problems, job situations,
or just plain feelings of inadequacy and not having a purpose in life?
“Follow Me.” He gives us not empty promises, but has
already paid the price for everlasting and abundant life for those of
us who will choose to follow Him. He offers compassion and healing for
our souls and our bodies. And instead of our wandering, He will carry
us over the rough spots in our lives and teach us, and make us whole.
We desperately need His constant care and supervision in our lives. If
we put our hand in His great and loving hand, we will never be lost
again.
From my heart,
Jeanne Stone Helstrom
(Excerpted from “Morning Celebrations”)
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