living water

"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." (Jer. 17:7-8)

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.  In all that he does, he prospers.  The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away." (Ps. 1:1-4)

David writes in the first psalm (my very favorite psalm) that blessed people are like trees planted by flowing rivers who are able to yield fruit, whose leaves do not wither, and who prosper in all that they do.  I read that during Biblical times in the Middle East, trees were quite rare and rain was often scarce.  Most of the land was assuredly desert but if a tree could be planted by a river, it was no longer dependent on the uncertain weather or even the surface conditions of the soil.  That tree could flourish abundantly at all times because it had roots that allowed the water from the stream to reach each part of the tree and bring life to it.  You could not see the roots but you also could not miss the beautiful green leaves or the fresh fruit.  

Continuing on my thoughts from the last blog entry, I love how the psalmist is telling us that our souls are like those trees.  We can have joy and life, regardless of the situations and conditions around us.  We can flourish and thrive and bear good fruit that others recognize despite any drought or tragedy or unfavorable weather, because our unseen roots are planted firmly in God's love.  When we make sure that we are planted firmly in God's living waters, He continually give us strength, direction, and joy that flows up from those roots and through every part of our lives.  

Nojoqui Falls hike