Living and Thriving in the Heat


Most organisms can only survive in certain environments. While one may be able to survive extreme cold, another may be able to withstand life deep underwater. Yet another may thrive in a very hot environment. The bacteria in Yellowstone are accustomed to the heat of the water, but at varying levels of comfort. You'll note the varieties of bacterial growth by their color - blue fades into green into yellow, orange, red and then brown.

As LiveScience explains: In the orange band, which is a "cool" 149 degrees F, you’d find Synechococcus and Chloroflexus bacteria (which also contain both chlorophyll, for photosynthesis, and the carrot-colored carotenoids).

God created this bacteria to live and thrive in these extreme temperatures. He created you to live and thrive too where you are. Unfortunately many people are just getting by or trying to survive.

From the Psalmist we learn that thriving isn't about WHAT you have but rather WHO you have.

You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. (Psalm 4:7)

Jesus said that you may NOT HAVE because you HAVE NOT asked.

"You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy." (John 16:24)

Thriving also isn't about GETTING, but about GIVING.

They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. (2 Corinthians 8:2)

You can live with joy regardless of life's circumstances because joy is a decision... and so is misery. You can choose to know God intimately, ask for His blessings, then be generous with what you have been given by God to help others. In this you will have a thriving life... even when things get hot!

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. (Psalm 16:11) 

Microbial Mat
Yellowstone National Park

Sources:
https://www.txstate-epdc.net/science-behind-colors-yellowstone/
https://www.livescience.com/55605-what-makes-yellowstone-hot-springs-colorful.html

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