Our Terebinth Tree album is finally here!
This collection of songs is a celebration of becoming grounded, of being anchored (to Jesus Christ). I wrote these songs in praise, in worship, and with thanksgiving. I have finally found my ‘terebinth tree’ – a place where I belong, a place where I have met with God — the tree symbolizes my “hiding place” in Him.
Terebinth trees are mentioned throughout the Old Testament. Because of their large size and great age, Terebinth (or Pistacia) trees became natural landmarks and were even used as memorials or hailed as sacred places. For example, Abraham pitched his tent and built an altar by the Terebinth trees of Mamre. (Genesis 13:18). God appeared to Abraham as he sat in the door of his tent, pitched among the Terebinth trees (Genesis 18:1). Deborah (Rebekah’s nurse) died and was buried under a Terebinth tree (Genesis 35:8).
Absalom (great perhaps solely in his own eyes) was trapped when his mule ran under a large Terebinth (2 Samuel 18:8-10). I believe a special appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ was sitting under a large Terebinth when he called Gideon into the ministry (Judges 6:11-14) and where Gideon later built an altar to sacrifice (Judges 6:19). David faced Goliath in the Valley of the Pistacias (I Samuel 17:2). Isaiah prophesied of the degenerate city of Jerusalem and compared those who forsake the Lord to a Terebinth whose (normally hearty and green) leaves have even faded (Isaiah 1:24-31). Terebinth trees develop a deep and extensive root system and therefore remain green even in years of drought.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”
-Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)
This “hiding place” is a place of refuge, solace, healing and hope. There I can meet God face to face, a place where I may approach God and encounter His love in a setting of security and fulfillment – a fulfilling of God’s promise and will – not my will. This place is not a single, physical location. It is anywhere I call out to God and everywhere I choose to go under His direction, having a realization of both His impeccable sovereignty and His immense love and care for each of us.
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me, even the night shall be light about me; Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.”
–Psalm 139:7-12 (NKJV)
This is my assurance – God will not leave me until He has finished His perfect work in me — such is God’s covenant to all those with whom He loves, and with those who profess their love for Him and who demonstrate that love by holding out a strong and steady belief in Him in the face of opposition, trial and pain. It is my hope to remain true to Him in life, walking in His grace through my faith, until He calls me home.
