Rooted

Verse
“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

Devotion
I love the imagery that is used in these verses. The Old Testament uses a lot of symbolism and often reads like poetry. When I close my eyes I can imagine a large, vibrant tree with branches reaching up to the heavens and deep roots sinking into the banks of a river. I can hear the water, smell the earth and feel the breeze. I have often returned to this verse, this place, during times of difficulty. The Bible is full of these verses that we can hold up in our minds and tuck into our hearts for safe keeping.

The tree in this verse is thriving because it is planted by its life source. Water. Jesus calls himself “living water” in the book of John. He tells the woman at the well that whoever drinks of Him will never thirst again and His living water will flow out of them. They will be satisfied for eternity! Now that’s the kind of water I want to be planted next to!

Maybe you feel uprooted right now. I know I have felt like my world has shifted dramatically. There are areas in my life that have been exposed. I’ve experienced fear in regards to my health, my family and their health. I’ve been worried about my husband’s job and having enough money. These are roots that have been planted in the dirt of this world.

The good news is that I have not been consumed because my confidence isn’t in the soil of this world. I’ve been planted in a heavenly kingdom with Jesus. He is my safety and peace! When drought comes I can trust that He will sustain and satisfy me. I can even trust that He will enable me to bear fruit during hard times!

My prayer for you today is that you will be anchored (rooted) in the hope of Jesus. That He will show you where your trust isn’t in Him. And that you will experience His presence as you meditate upon His goodness!