Like a Tree...

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He 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)

As sure as we are born, troubles will come. We will have to deal with challenges, trials and tribulations; it's just a fact that no one can deny. God in his endless and unconditional love for us has everything we need to handle whatever life will throw our way, all we have to do is trust Him. Our trust has to be consistent, unwavering and sure. Doubt has no place in our faith walk with God. We are blessed through our trust and because we are blessed, we will be able to stand strong just like the tree that's planted by a stream of water. That tree is strong because it has a source of nourishment within close proximity of it's roots. It doesn't have to send feelers out for miles and miles searching for water and food; it's planted next to everything it needs to sustain its life. Because of where it's planted, when the weather conditions change and the seasons change from cool to hot causing a drought, it has no fear because it's roots are strong and well-fed. During the difficult weather it can still thrive and bear fruit.

As Christians we know that God is never far away; He's right with us at all times. Just like that stream he has everything we need and all we have to do is reach out and grab it. There's no need to search for quick remedies in far off lands. The further we send our roots seeking nourishment, the weaker our body becomes; The closer we are to our source of strength, the stronger our body becomes. We must plant our roots firmly in the word of God, which is living water. We must drink until we are bursting at the seams, so that our minds, hearts and spirits are nourished and healthy for the dry seasons of our lives. When trouble comes we are not fearful, weak or afraid, because we know that our feet have found an anchor in the Lord. During times of uncertainty we can still be useful in God's kingdom, bearing fruit by our witness and testimonies and undying faith. I want to be like that tree planted by the water; sending my roots out by the stream of God's holy word, drinking in and using it to do what God has anointed me and commanded me to do in seasons of plenty as well as seasons of drought.

Be Blessed!