“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV
A tree in a commercial orchard is as pampered as any king or queen on planet earth. It is planted in the best soil, fertilized and kept free from weeds. In the growing season it is sprayed and treated every 10 days to guard it from pests and disease and irrigated in drought. Yet with all the advantages the farmer gives it, there are years when the harvest fails because of a late frost, an unexpected new disease or a late snowfall. Ultimately the farmer may do his best but only God is really in charge of the results.
The same is true in our lives. As today’s verse tells us, our fruitfulness is dependent on only one thing. We must decide to trust the Lord. Unexpected events and even calamity strike without notice. But God is never taken by surprise. Are you trusting in His care? Is He the stream your soul drinks from? Is He the keeper of your heart?
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Perspective makes all the difference between despair and peace. Knowing the Creator has not forgotten us is often the only comfort we have – or need
Amen, Pastor Pete! For decades now I have sent down my roots into the stream of Living Water offered by Jesus. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I pray that if severe drought, disease, or other disaster should occur, I will be one of those who does not fear, remains strong, and continues to bear fruit. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!
Amen. We must decide to trust the Lord—to take Him at His word. Is it a theological stretch to say we choose to plant ourselves by God’s stream of living water?
You’ve given us much to ponder, Pete. Thanks, and God Bless!
I love the end of that verse, “is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” How wonderful God is. He continues to produce fruit through us because HE is the living water.
Amen!