HOW FRESH IS YOUR LIVING WATER SUPPLY?

God would have all of us to be like a tree sustained through heat and drought by Jesus, our Living Water.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES        by Sally Bair

Trust

I’ve noticed when deciduous trees shed their leaves in the fall, some shed them from the top down and others from the bottom up. And some species drop their leaves much earlier than others. Not being a botanist, I don’t know the whys and wherefores, but my guess is their seasonal habits have something to do with the trees’ water supply.

The Bible contains dozens of references to how our Christian faith compares with trees. One of my favorites is found in Jeremiah 17:7-8. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.”

These verses show us that when we trust in God, we won’t be free from problems and adversity, but God will bring fruit and blessing in and through our difficulties. In nature, many trees and animals become stronger from having faced such enemies as drought, wind or evil. God promises that we also will grow in character and strength when we go through adversity.

Our drought may come in the form of repeated rejections or disappointments. We may be forced to confront the “heat” of disease, family death or perhaps abuse. How we respond while in the midst of such problems will determine the rate of our spiritual growth. If we allow ourselves to live with anxiety and fear of change, we won’t yield the fruit God would have us express to others. How will we show His love, joy and peace, His kindness, patience and goodness when our hearts and minds are focused on our problems rather than on His promises and presence?

Jesus, our Living Water, overcomes the drought of our life problems when we trust in Him. Like a tree that will not fear during drought but remains fruitful in all circumstances, we too can stay healthy—when we allow God’s Spirit to boost our faith. Without His living Word and presence, we will surely die.

Lord, thank You for strengthening our faith in You during the hard times. Our seasonal habits may differ from those of trees, but like them we seek Your Living Water. Keep us thirsty for You so we will remain as fruitful as a tree that stands beside a river. In Jesus’ name, amen.