No one asks for difficult days. But with each one, you’ve been learning more and more about living from the tree of life, rather than the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Consuming from the tree of knowledge means judging the value of everything and everyone, and relying on your own intellect, experience, and opinions to do it.
Eating from the tree of life is living intentionally from God’s presence. It’s responding to your circumstances in awareness of his Spirit, looking to him for truth and meaning in your experiences, and grace and growth in your relationships.
When you have a bad moment, or a bad day, it’s so important to know that’s okay. You’re okay. A negative experience needs to be acknowledged and dealt with, but it doesn’t get to take over your mindset and damage your physical, mental, and spiritual health for days, weeks, months, or even longer.
No matter what’s happened, with all the intentionality your heart still has, focus on listening for God’s view of how he sees you and your circumstances. That’s where you’ll find your tree of life today.
Even if it seems you’ve fallen back a step or two (or three) when you thought you were moving forward, here at the tree of life, discouragement can’t dictate how you think and feel. In fact, you may find that step back is just what you’ve needed to immerse yourself again in God’s presence, peace, and strength. Here he can heal your heart, renew your mind, and equip you with all faith, hope, and love you need to deal with the difficult days, and take your next step in joyful confidence.
“Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31).
Equip Your Spirit 