Happy Wednesday, friends! I’m excited to be here with you today! Thanks for taking the time to drop by and say hi. I really appreciate it.
A few years ago, I did a project called Alphabet for the Soul and each week I’d share a word that started with the letter I was on—A-Z. The majority of letters were easy to come up with words for them and each led to a small devotional. However, some letters were really tricky. Finding a word for a mini-devotional that started with X or Z was very interesting. But I found one for each. The word I found for X is xerach. Yes, it’s a word. I had no idea what it meant until I looked it up and now when I think back on it, I remember how much it encouraged me.
With my husband having surgery last week and me having a neck procedure yesterday, I could use some encouragement today. Two surgeries are not how we hoped to start the year off, but when I think of the word xerach, I think of God whispering words of hope and encouragement in my ear. So, I thought it would be fun to share the word with you today. It was a little interesting coming up with an applicable word for X, but I found one, and I don’t know about you, but it really speaks to where I am right now with my recent health issues and some other trials I’m facing. It’s a word that holds so much encouragement, I feel God whispering it to my soul as I type this out.
Now, I’m sure you either have already Googled xerach or you’re patiently waiting for its definition so here’s you go:
Xerach is: Plant succession staring on bare ground or rock (an empty place or a hard surface) and culminating in a mature climax forest.
It’s a word with such deep meaning and I think really reflects the trials and growth Christians go through while becoming more like Christ.
Xerach is a mature forest that grew from the humblest of beginnings. I don’t know about you, but lone xerach flower blooming in the desert is a far mightier display of God’s might than a meadow full of them. If He’s planted you in a dry place, trust that He’ll bring you to bloom.
God says in His Word:
“For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” ~Isaiah 43:19
If you are struggling to grow in a dry, hard place, trust that God is at work and when you mature into full bloom, you will be a glorious reflection of Him to behold. I thought I’d include some Scripture verses and passages to encourage you today.
For Further Study:
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Isaiah 66:22
- Isaiah 11:1-9
- Isaiah 41:18-20 (in addition to verse 19 above)
- Psalm 31:24
Here is a song that has spoken to me so much over the years when I’ve been in dry places. I hope it speaks to your heart today as well.
What song fills you with hope whenever you listen to it?
I’d love it if you’d share.
Blessings,
Dani
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I am sorry you are going through struggles. Lately, I have been addicted to the song, ‘It Is Well’ by Bethel Worship. I hope you find comfort in knowing that He’s got this!
That is a great song. Thanks so much. I’m so grateful we have God to carry us through the hard times.
Morning, Dani. I’m praying for you as I type this, and for your husband, too. And I’ll continue to as the Spirit brings you to mind (he’s so faithful to guide our thoughts in that way).
Two songs that have given me such hope in recent months are by one of our worship leaders at Church of the City here in Nashville. Google “Jon Reddick Youtube” and you’ll find two songs: God, Turn It Around and You Keep Hope Alive.
We frequently sing these songs at church, and I find that often, at the oddest times, the Spirit will bring them to my mind during my week as well. Again, he’s so faithful to whisper what we need at the exact right moment. I hope they’ll bring you fresh encouragement and hope.
Love you, friend, and holding you close.
Hi friend,
Thanks so much for your lovely post. I will Youtube those songs today.
It’s true He does whisper what we need at the right moment. Thanks for the wonderful reminder, and for your prayers.
I‘m so sorry that you are going to hard times at the moment 😢 Last year when I went to struggles it was hard sometimes even to pray so I listened to a lot of worship music. One special song for me is „Do it again“ from Elevation Worship. It reminds me of the promises of God and that He has never failed me. May God hold you close and provide you with all you need. Praying for you & your family.
Thank you so much, Coco. Will definitely have to check that song out. I love Elevation Worship, but haven’t heard that one.
Last year, beginning 5 years ago, was a journey I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Dealing with family struggling with mental disease and others with drug addiction, I was drowning. I remember sitting in a Walmart parking lot crying, listening to Lauren Daigle’s song, Rescue, begging God for a rescue. A woman knocked on my window and asked to pray for me. She saw me whenshe pulled in and I was still there as she was learning. She said God told her to turn around and pray with me. This was the rescue I needed and the rescue He promised. He saw me, He knew my pain and desperation, and He reminded me He was there
That’s a beautiful story. Thank so much for sharing with me.
Phil Wickham’s ‘Living Hope’. Particularly the verse with the lyrics:
“Then came the morning that sealed the promise
Your buried body began to breathe
Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion
Declared the grave has no claim on me
Jesus, Yours is the victory!”
I can’t help but play that at really high volume, accompanied by a fist pump! Really fires me up with love and passion for Jesus, and all that He’s done for me.
Prayers for a speedy and smooth recovery from surgery for both you and your husband, Dani. X
Dani, praying for you
There are so many encouraging worship songs that bless and encourage me. Raise A Hallelujah is a powerful one. Way Maker is another powerful song. Many different artists sing both songs. Be encouraged. Rest and recover.
I Can Only Imagine.
Wishing you and your husband healing mercies.