Palms Of Providence: An Introduction

And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they encamped there by the waters. Exodus 15:27

My affinity for the woman at the well has grown over the years. Our stories, hers and mine, are woven together and we are linked, in the ink. I read so much of my own story into hers and her story into mine that at times they seem one in the same. And they are. For they share the same palm prints. Same author. Same pen. Same scroll.

I have met her at the well many times. We have walked, wandering, together, through our story. But it wasn’t until I looked back and reflected on my history and hers that the fullness of our shared past opened the pages of our shared present. It has taken some digging, in the sand, some unearthing, from the soil, and even more -much gleaning, by the power of His palms, to find that our stories are the same. I now see our beginnings, and our endings, and most everything in between, and beyond, are the same. And that through it all, all of our wanderings, and all of our story, we have a constant companion. His name is Jesus. His are the palms of providence.

You see, He held us in His palms. of providence. even while He covered us in our mothers’ bellies. He holds the pen that writes our story. Our words are printed in a book. Graven with an iron pen and lead, not in the dust, but in the Rock. Long before we were born. We share the same fathers, same mothers. Same palms. Same feet. Same crown. Same table. Same cup. From which we drink… and no longer thirst.

Most will not see our shores and few will care to explore our seas. But if you feel alone, in pain that few if any know, then sit down with us under the Palms of Providence and you will find companionship in our sands and comfort here in the shade. His palms of providence branch out for us all from the Ancient of Days. He holds healing for us in His wings, in His branches. Life for us in His body, in His tree. Grace and truth for us in His eyes, in His heart. And sweet water for us, in His garden.

We will rest here, for a while. And then continue when we gather anew, in our shared sands, encamped by the waters, back here under the shade of the Palms. Of Providence. Where we may meet again. If you so desire, too, to no longer thirst.

(But if you would like to wander on ahead, read Exodus 15:22-27 - and/or John 4:1-30)

The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not… John 4:15

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