by David Burka
Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, "Blest is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord, for he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit."
Jeremiah makes a comparison between two plants: a tree with deep roots beside a stream or a shrub with shallow roots in the desert. The tree is able to withstand wind and drought, but the bush dries up, is uprooted and blown about, becoming a tumble weed. The images of this passage have impressed me, especially at this time when the trees all around us are showing their beauty with the changing of the seasons.
Growing Christians need to take in daily nourishment in order to withstand the tough times. To be useful in God's Kingdom, we need to seek out the "water" around us instead of relying on our own resources. We will be happier and bring peace and stability to others when our roots are deep in the Lord. When we trust Him completely, we will not be anxious.
What are some sources of "water" from which a Christian can draw strength? Some suggestions might be: daily, personal Bible study; joining a small study group; spending quiet time praying; singing hymns, either alone or with a group; and developing relationships with Christian friends.
Let's each find some new sources of water for our lives and allow our roots to drink deeply. Let's encourage one another to be deep-rooted trees rather than drifting tumble weeds.