Blessed is the man or woman whose trust is in the Lord. They are like a tree that is planted by the river. That is an encouraging scripture. So encouraging to me, that I have a charm on my bracelet that reminds me of that scripture every single day.
We live in difficult days. We hear and see daily evidence that evil is considered good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). If we choose to live on our own, we may prosper for a time but at some point drought will come. Without a constant flow of water, oxygen and minerals the leaves will brown, wither and drop. The roots of a tree without water will not spread and strengthen but become dry and cause the tree to become unstable. The first great wind that comes leaves it susceptible to topple over. That is how we are without God in our life. So, as believers we are likened to a tree planted by a river. What benefits do we receive?
The tree by the river has an unending supply of water. God provides a continuous source of living water through Jesus our Lord and Savior. He is the water and nourishment that feeds us spiritually. Though outwardly droughts will occur. We will still experience loss of those we love, we will possibly endure illness, we will have financial concerns and there may be days of anxiety and fear. But…our source of living water will not cease. It will still be coursing through, enabling us to overcome and continue to put down strong, spreading roots. Those roots anchored in faith will spread to family and friends witnessing the love and protection we have in Christ. We have the assurance of eternal life after our time here. The tree that lives on a continuous source of life is not deceived by the drought conditions around it.
Thought For Today:
Droughts will come. The heat will surround us at times. Yet, we are not helpless…we are like trees growing daily, branching out, anchored with an excellent root system in the word of God. Our leaves remain deep green and plush…for our source of water never ends. We are fruitful. Jesus is ALWAYS with us. The living water replenishes us daily. We cast all our cares on Him. He steadies us against the winds of life and nourishes us daily with water and His word.
Scripture For Today:
Jeremiah 17:7-8
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. (NKJV)
Psalm 1:3
3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. (NKJV)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! We pray we are always mindful during drought days that our source of living water never runs dry. Our roots are nourished to anchor us tightly when the winds of despair and anxiety come. Help us bear the fruit of witness to others of what it means to acknowledge Christ as our source of plenty. Comfort those who are troubled this day. Bring peace to the restless. Bring grace to those in time of testing. Bring love to all in the name of Christ, in this season and always. Forgive us our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.