Like a Tree
It is one of those days when I let worry over something just control my day. The crazy thing is, I am concerned over something over which I have no control. None. Nothing.
Yet I let this concern manipulate my day. It permeates my thoughts and even brings a few tears. I try to figure out the situation, analyzing it from every angle; but the answers remain the same. There is no immediate remedy to the situation and I can do little to change it. That truly bugs me.
Yet, my gracious Lord knows when I need His gentle Word with its kick in the pants, so to speak. As He often does, He provides me with the most meaningful words at the right time.
The words that capture my attention come from Jeremiah 17:7-8:
“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.” (NIV)
Can you see the tree? All can be brown around it yet it flourishes. Why? Because it taps into a water source. It has nourishment and all it needs no matter what the weather may bring. It is a beacon in a weary land – hope for better things to come.
The promise given here is significant – We will be blessed if our confidence, trust, faith, are in the Lord. We will be nourished as we need from God’s living water. Nothing else can bring us the satisfaction in the same way that God does.
With so much job uncertainty these days, I have many moments when I don’t feel blessed. We all have those times when finances are challenging or a loved one is hurting or something else significant is impacting our lives and we doubt God’s provision.
At times like these, I feel like the parched tree trying valiantly to find some water. Of course, all would be simple if I would only trust in God to give me what I need. But my human nature fights it as I strive to figure out ways to manage the difficulties myself.
I like the picture of a green tree by a wonderful stream so much better. I want to be that tree – drinking in deeply from the water God provides. It takes a step out of my comfort zone to trust but I must if I want to thrive. I don’t like feeling fearful and being concerned about the “droughts” of this life. More than that, I do want to bear abundant fruit. I don’t want to be only a nice green tree – I want to be a tree with lots of good fruit that helps others.
Today, no matter what you are facing, God is there. I pray that you and I can put our worries and fears aside and have confidence in our loving Heavenly Father who knows all our needs. God promises us blessings if we trust in Him. Hold onto that promise.
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