Oaks

....and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

Isaiah 61:2-4

The other day, I wrote about navels and oranges. I determined that I am a navel, but maybe not a fully ripe navel. I am a work in progress, not fully arrived. If you haven't read it...it is a few posts down. It inspired me to research other trees I have seen referenced in the Bible. Some of you reading this may find it boring and click right on to the next blog you follow....no offence. I find it fascinating that trees and fruits are mentioned so often in scripture.

After doing a little bit of research, I realized that Oaks are mentioned quite a bit. Oaks are beautiful, and after studying them a bit, and learning what they symbolize, I think they may be my new favorite tree. I found over 20 references in the old testament to oaks. When I am driving in my car, or on a run/walk, and I see an oak, I cant help but stop and praise God for this gorgeous tree and all it symbolizes and pray that I will be an oak in my journey of faith.

Many times, in the Old Testament, Oak Trees were the places where angels came to visit, or where godly men came under and where people were buried under. There must have been something pretty special about Oaks in those days. As I researched I found that Oaks have long been a symbol for endurance, steadfastness, and courage.

An oaks wood is of great strength, and harshness. This is why I am sure that its wood was used to build ships.

The bark on an Oak was also found to be good medicine. It's bark is also resistant to insects and fungal attacks due to its high content of tannin....it is poisonous!

Oak is said to have elasticity, and it symbolizes stability, truth and wisdom.

No wonder God says we will be Oaks of righteousness in Isaiah. and James 2:9 says we will be strong as Oaks. In Genesis 13:18 Abram- after he obediently went where the Lord directed him AGAIN, he dwelt near the Oaks of Mamre and built and altar to the Lord.

it seems that an oak is a pretty respectable tree. I want to be an Oak....

I wanna be Good Medicine

Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones

I wanna be so strong and rely on God for my strength.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

I wanna be so dependent on Him that my heart will resist insects and fungi's (discouragement, discontentment, gossip, complaining, defensiveness, critical spirit, and many others...choose your poison) sent my way to get me to stop growing.

I wanna be stable, yet flexible

2 Chronicles 20:17
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'

Psalm 37:23
If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;

Psalm 40:2
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand

I wanna be full of truth of God's words

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer

I wanna be wise

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise

I wanna endure this race and press on

Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus

I wanna take courage (a favorite word of mine)

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go

I wanna be steadfast

Psalm 108:1
My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.

Psalm 112:7
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

Psalm 119:5
Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you

I desire these things so that I will be a planting of the Lord

for the display of His splendor!

If you would like to look up verses, here are some that I found:

Genesis 35:4
Genesis 35:8
Joshua 24:26
Joshua 24:25-27

Judges 6:11
Judges 6:19

2 Samuel 18:9
2 Samuel 18:10
2 Samuel 18:13-15

1 Kings 13:14
Psalm 29:9
Psalm 56:1
Isaiah 1:29
Isaiah 2:13
Isaiah 6:13
Isaiah 44:14
Isaiah 57:5
Isaiah 61:3
Ezekiel 6:13
Ezekiel 27:6
Hosea 4:13
Hosea 4:12-14
Amos 2:9
Zechariah 11:2
Zechariah 11:1-3