Deep Roots
“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)
This week as I read this passage of from the book of Jeremiah, I was really struck by the simplicity that God calls us to as humans. He tells us clearly, that in life there will be seasons of drought and lack that for some will seem unbearable. He says that he wants us to develop deep roots to sustain us during those tumultuous times. He tells us that during those seasons of “dryness” he has an abounding source of refreshing that is available to us: and we gain access to it by Faith.
People who really trust in God’s promises, and put their trust in the Lord: they are blessed with the Fruit of God’s promises. It is only those who live by faith in those promises that will be sustained during those seasons of drought. The droughts will be faithful in coming during the course of ones life, and some seasons feel unbearable. God tells us that believers have a different source, Jesus tells us that we will have access to the source of “living water” (John 7:38). That living water can be tapped into anytime we are thirsty and in need: and His water of life will be refreshing and sustaining. He says “The water that I will give him will become in (You) a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)
It all comes by Faith. Before the drought comes we must first cultivate deep roots: learn to tap into God’s provision and life-sustaining presence. The man who trusts in the Lord has those deep penetrating roots that can sustain him during seasons of drought.
With all the “heat” and difficulty surrounding our current economic situation and the world that we live in, it is vital that we cultivate and strengthen our roots. Our faith, like the roots of a tree, must grow deep: towards a sustaining supply that can continue to produce fruit in our lives regardless of life’s conditions.
