Soul Rest & Refreshment: Biblical Lessons from Dancing Trees
- Lynn Mosher
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
“Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise.” (Ps. 96:12 TLB)
Dancing and rest. An unlikely combination. Let’s see how they fit together.
At the end of a hot summer’s day, I sit outside to refresh my soul in the cool of evening, if it is cool. In the midst of worldly chaos, of personal circumstances swirling, and the heat of summer adding its oppression, I need rejuvenating.
Surrounded by nature’s beauty, I sit in almost utter silence, though serenaded by a choir of chirping nest-makers. I bask in the soul-soothing refreshment of the cool air.
The breeze caresses my face, as kisses upon my cheeks.
The unfurled leaves rustle as if giggling from being tickled by a frisky breeze. The setting sun’s rays skip across them, dappling them with brilliant glory.
The extended branches sway like outstretched arms trying to catch the elusive wind and flutter as though applauding praise to their Creator.
The trees respond, bending to the direction of the force, as bowing in submission to the breath of the current. Yet, still standing, rooted in the soil of stability. God’s voice DNA of creation courses through their limbs.
Dancing trees. Yes, that’s it…dancing trees. Playful. Frolicking like children in a summer sprinkler.
Then, the wind ceases.
The branches cease their movement and come to a resting point. Stillness prevails.
Yet, the leaves continue to be dappled in sunlight. Rest becomes their current posture.
Taking a nod from nature, my soul begins to ponder. Is there a message for me in the dancing trees and their rest? I ask myself…
* Do I dance and sway when the winds of adversity blow against me?
* In those blustery circumstances, do I stay rooted in the soil of faith’s stability? Or do I bend over and snap in two at their force?
* Are my arms outstretched to the Lord, applauding Him in praise?
* In those trying times when my life comes to a standstill, do I halt my praise?
But what of the rest? Do I learn to cease my activities and come to a resting point?
When I give in to those times of rest, my heart is soothed by loving whispers of the Spirit. He courses through my soul with a current of joy, filling me with His sweet peace. I savor every moment of the soothing breath of God.
No matter how dark my days may be, I am still dappled in the Lord’s Sonlight, that brilliant glory warming and soothing my spirit.
Then, in the stillness? As the psalmist said, “What a blessing is that stillness.” (Ps. 107:30b TLB) It is here that God dispenses His comfort.
Lord, may I always bow in submission to the breath of Your Spirit. May I always praise You, no matter how strong the winds of adversity blow against me and no matter how still and stifling life can feel. Your Son Light, as the glory of Your countenance, always shines in splendor over me, even when the clouds of circumstance roll in and cast shadows over my life. May I always be one of Your trees, full of life-giving sap. Praising You. And finding rest in You as my desired posture. In Jesus’ name, amen!
May you encounter dancing trees and then the whispers of the Spirit for soul-rest, no matter your circumstances...Lynn
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