Oh, Be a Well Planted Tree of the Lord!

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He 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)

What a wonderful word picture of the man or woman of God. We have all read this scripture and said, "That's what I want my life in Christ to be." But, did you notice the words, "when heat comes" and "in a year of drought". Now, honestly! Who wants "heat or drought" to come into their lives?

Right now you may be asking yourself, "Does this mean that as God's child I can expect persecution, pain, suffering, trials and tribulations in my life?" For most of us the answer would be, yes. You may be new in your faith and want to shout, "Whoa, I thought all that was behind me.

Or, you may be at a point in your walk with Christ where you are experiencing first hand what "heat" and "drought" really mean and you're asking yourself, "Where is God in all this? Does He see my suffering? Does He care?"

Yes, God sees and dear one, as Joni Earkenson Tada so tenderly reminds us, God weeps with us. Jesus Himself stated, "In this world you will have trouble…" As His children it is of upmost importance that we always remember that He was quick to add, "But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Beloved, there is good news for us in these verses! Oh, note carefully that while this tree endures heat that unmercifully and relentlessly beats down day after long, dreary day, and is oft times force to endure periods of severe drought--this planted tree of the Lord is mighty and strong! It's leaves remain green and it continues to reach wide its branches bearing much fruit! How can this be so? You see, the root system of this God-planted tree is able to reache down deep into earth's rich soil tapping into streams overflowing with life-giving water.

"Whoever believes in me [Jesus}, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:38)

Living Water is the Holy Spirit of God. God's word assures us that His Holy Spirit will empower all His children to weather the severest drought or the mightiest flame! More, God's children will thrive!

It is my great hope that we, as God's children, will open our eyes, ears and hearts to God's divine and eternal purpose for our suffering and to His promised deliverance in all our troubles.