“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 NIV.
Some decisions you have no control over and that’s okay. You could not decide on where in the world that you would be born – who you parents were going to be – the number of siblings that you would have – or your gender. BUT you do have the choice of deciding who you will place your confidence in for help. That decision carries a blessing impact.
Strength – Jeremiah is rephrasing Psalm 1:3 about the blessed man using the imagery of a tree. You are not a fragile flower or grass to be walked upon. Because of your trusting in God, you are planted, made, created with the characteristics of a tree with toughness, endurance, and strength like the large oaks of old.
Capacity for growth – you have been given roots that are unseen but provide for the ability to nurture yourself and bring stability to your life. Roots seek the source of life – water. Your decision to trust gives you the privilege to always be near the water supply from the river of life. Everything your life can need is drawn from this water supply which is always available.
Peace in the hard times – Jeremiah mentions difficulties that cause us stress in life – heat and drought.
Heat represents the outside pressures that bombard our lives constantly. Though it can not be seen, it can be felt. Health issues, financial worries, relational conflicts, work related concerns are examples of things that we all face. A tree takes light and heat and transforms it to life through its green leaves. You can thrive during times of stress.
Drought represents calamity on a cultural level. Fears abound during droughts as it has a negative impact on “tomorrow’s” food. Some worry over growing disease, increase in random violence, lack of food, natural disasters, and wars. The decision to trust in God will allow you to bear fruit even in these conditions. Side note – fruit is not for you, but for others to receive from the life that is within you. Bearing good fruit during a drought is extra special.
Placing your confidence in God did not exclude you from experiencing times of heat and drought. But you have been planted near the water source for your life. The blessing impact of deciding to be a follower of Jesus will be sustaining life in all the circumstances that you will face. Ability to endure is a by product of your decision to trust in God. He will never fail to help you and sustain you in life.
Blessing Love y’all