Trust in God

They shall be like a tree planted in water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17: 8 NRSV

I love the imagery in this verse. The scripture is speaking of those who trust in God. Those who trust in God are like trees planted in the water, with a good source even when the world around them is dry and deadly. They won't be anxious (!) and will continue to bear fruit.

Right now we are experiencing a drought here in the South. The trees are beginning to turn brown and even lose their leaves. The exception that I have seen are the trees planted in the shores of our lake house.  Their leaves are remaining green and healthy.

Is my trust as surely planted in God?

A couple I know are going through a terrible time with their grown son. In fact, I think they have been going through bad times for years now but things in his life have really come to a breaking point. What I admire about them is that they have continued to bear fruit. He leads our church in evangelism and she leads our church in women's bible studies. And time and again they have spoken of everything being in God's hands, of God being in ultimate control. They are like the trees planted in water: even with the drought they are experiencing, their leaves are green.

Where are you planted? What will happen when drought comes in your life? Will you be able to be a non-anxious presence? Will you continue to bear fruit?

God, help us to trust in you now and in our seasons of drought. We want to cast away all anxiety and bear fruit in all seasons. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims