CUT IT DOWN AND FORGET IT
Following the American Civil War, bitterness ran deep between the North and South. But Robert E. Lee, former commander of the Southern troops, fervently refused to imbibe in this hatred. Riding through the streets of Lexington, KY, a woman stopped him and drew his attention to the scarred remains of a tree facing her home. The Northern army had shot off the limbs and burned the trunk during an attack. Expecting the general to join in her outrage, she stood silently, awaiting his comments. He finally spoke, "Cut it down, my dear madam, and then forget it!"
Wise words indeed. "Cut it down and forget it." How much misery could we avoid by practicing those simple words? In some twisted way, we derive pleasure from hanging onto “dead trees” in our lives, as we recall those situations when we were victimized. We all suffer injustice in this world. But how we handle it... that’s our choice. I can stay stuck in my past, clinging to the base of a “dead tree” or I can cut it down and forget it. Which choice will bring me more peace and freedom?
More than anyone in history, Jesus endured mistreatment. His friend betrayed him, his followers abandoned him and he was denied justice in the courts. Mocked, spit upon and beaten, he was then nailed to two pieces of wood. How did he respond? Jesus faced an abundance of “dead trees” he could focus on. Instead, the first words from his mouth after being nailed to the cross were, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). Can you imagine living at that level of peace; so free we can pray for the forgiveness of our abusers? I Peter 2:23 informs us how this was possible. "He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." Jesus entrusted his "dead trees", and his very life, to God.
We can't undo the past, but we can respond to it by refusing to yield to bitterness and victimization. When you encounter a "dead tree", look to Jesus, and consider the words of Robert E. Lee, "Cut it down...and then forget it!"
What "dead trees" in my life do I need to release to God?
How can I let go of feelings of bitterness and victimization?