TRAITS OF SAINTS

"The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which He hath planted; Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house. The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies" (Psa 104:16-18).

The situation of the saints of God is glorious. Little wonder the Psalmist said of the habitation of God, "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion" (Psa 48:2). Scattered throughout the Psalms are numerous expressions of the advantages associated with being identified with the Lord. Such relationships are always good, and never bad. They continually yield benefits, and never liabilities. The 104th Psalm provides an excellent example of these things.

FULL OF SAP: "The trees of the Lord are full of sap." Likened to the great cedars of Lebanon, God's people are said to be "full of sap." That is, they are LIVING trees, well nourished because they are "planted by the rivers of waters" (Psa 1:3). They are strong, able to withstand the tests of trial and the winds of adversity. Although surrounded by moral and spiritual deserts, they flourish because they have access to the "water of life," which they are encouraged to drink freely and without inhibition (Rev 22:17). These people are "trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified" (Isa 61:3). Being filled with sap, they are a source of both shade and fruit. As such, they bring glory to the Lord, though, for a while, living in a cursed and hostile realm. How blessed to be His tree!

A PLACE TO NEST: "Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house." Like the fowls of the air, the people of God find a place to make their home–a place away from the dangers the surround them. Like the mighty eagle, they can make their nest "on high" (Job 39:27)–out of the range of the devil. There, in "heavenly places," they are hidden under the shadow of the Lord's wings (Psa 17:8). There, they are hidden in the Lord's "pavilion" and "tabernacle," safe from the oppressor (Psa 27:5). When the saints "rest," they do so in the presence of the Lord, aware of His Person and power. What a blessed privilege!

A PLACE OF REFUGE: "The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies." In times of battle, those in Christ can find refuge in the lofty realms. Like the wild goat, they can find sanctuary in the "high hills," where their enemies cannot traffic. Although the terrain is rocky and treacherous, the Lord gives them "feet like hinds' feet," so they can navigate where others stumble and fall (2 Sam 22:34; Psa 18:33; Hab 3:19). In Christ, we now walk in realms never before accessible to us. We were not suited to walk in heavenly places, or move about in the light. But now, in Christ, the Lord has made us able to negotiate in these realms, and to do so with great joy and confidence. Like the feet of the wild goat are adapted for high and rocky terrain, so our spirits have been adapted for the heavenly realms.

Too, we can find refuge in high and intimidating rocks, like the conies. These animals were "rock badgers" (NASB). This was a sort of overgrown guinea pig. These animals were very little, yet very wise. Even though feeble and defenseless, their feet had a suction like grip that allowed them to scamper about quickly on steep and rocky terrain. Solomon referred to these animals in Proverbs 30:26. "The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks." That is the way the people of God are. On the surface, they appear feeble, indeed, and vulnerable to the devices of the devil. Faith does not look like the victory to their enemies, but their enemies do not see the whole picture (1 John 5:45). Like the feeble coney, the saints migrate to higher ground, moving about with such dexterity their enemies cannot gain access to them.

The saints are blessed indeed! They have abundant life. They make their home in heavenly realms. They are also able to move about in those lofty places with confidence, joy, and great delight.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I praise You through Jesus Christ for the singular privilege of being Your child. The lines have, indeed, fallen unto me in pleasant places.

-- Monday: THE INVOLVEMENT OF DEITY --