Could the Fruit of God’s Presence Be Praise? The Story of the Maple Tree

The grand old maple stands stoic against the hands of time.

The grand old maple stands stoic against the hands of time, its grace shadowing the meadow grass with outstretched arms reaching toward heaven.

Winter is coming. Barren landscapes. Cold, harsh winds. Brittle, dead leaves.

But before the winter blast, the maple tree bursts with glory, a melody of praise to its Creator. Fiery reds rub against the orange of apricots. Sprinkled in the kaleidoscope mix, bright yellow glistens in the sun.

Perhaps the grand old maple recognizes the rhythm of life.

Maybe. Probably.

Do I? Do I realize that God’s glory comes from within and isn’t contingent on my circumstances? The maple tree must know this because it is rejoicing with magnificent color, even though winter is coming. Do I walk in the knowledge that my life can give praise simply for who He is in the face of barren, bleak circumstances?

Paganini, a famous Italian violinist said, “Music is not in the instrument, but in the soul.”

The music of life — glorious praise to our Creator — is not dependent on external things, but in our own soul — that deep recess within where the Holy Spirit of God dwells. He is with us always. His joy. His peace. His comfort and guidance.

His love.

With us always.

And the fruit of His presence is praise, even though we know winter is coming.

For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. ~ Romans 8:16-17, NLT