“But the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” Psalm 67:6

FINALLY the weather has changed. In most of America, fall falls in September. Here in Florida, it slips in later October. It has been hot and muggy here. But last night, while sleeping with the windows open, we had to throw on another blanket! AHHHHH! What a wonderful change! Unfortunately, there were casualties!

My wife wanted to grow sunflowers. Buying seeds, she set about carefully putting them in potting soil and out into the sun. When it is hot outside, I sweat. That sweat seems to remind me that the plants are probably dry and in need of water. But the evenings have been cooler. Apparently no sweat meant no thought about those plants. But the sun just kept on shining! When we walked outside yesterday and saw wilted plants, “OH NO!” was all we could say.

Plants do not have a choice as to where they grow. External forces move seeds to their final resting place, where they either grow or don’t. Having no voice or choice, they cannot care for themselves, cry out for help or move to a better location. Not so with men! Sadly, men have no excuse for their wilted condition, since WHERE and HOW well they live is ALWAYS a choice.

There are 2 ways of looking at this verse. Either the rebel willfully MOVES to a sun-scorched land by choice, or he is MOVED there BECAUSE of his choice… the end is the same. Being a man AND, at times a rebel, I am smart enough to know that either way, wilting is the result of rebellion. The choice to stay there and wilt is 100% mine alone.

Having received Christ as my Savior over 50 years ago, I KNOW when I am in His will and care. I KNOW what it takes to stay there too! Bible reading, prayer, Christian community and constant evaluation keep me near the Son. When there in His care, NO weather can wilt me, as I am adequately fed and watered. Even pain and sorrows are not final.

Jesus promised me He would NEVER leave me forsaken. Therefore, and here is the lesson I got, wilting is not a sign of His displeasure, but a signal that I am not where He is! Whether or not I STAY there… is completely and 100% up to me!

Where are YOU living?