But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Some of the richest words written in Jeremiah come in chapter 17 as a contrast is drawn between the person who trusts in himself and the person who trusts in the Lord. The one who trusts in himself is like a bush in the desert that is destined to come to ruin. The one who trusts in the Lord, however, is like a tree planted by water. When the extreme heat of summer comes, that tree has nothing to fear because it’s roots go deep into the water – its source will continue provide for its needs. The fact is, heat will come, and every tree will face moments of difficulty. The difference is that one has its roots in water and the other has its roots in desert sand. If you were to classify yourself as one or the other, which would you be? A tree planted by water, or a bush in the desert?
Lord, help me to be like the tree planted by water as depicted by Jeremiah. I want to trust in You all of my days. Regardless of the trials that I face in life, let my foundation in You bring me through.
Leave a Reply