Photo and Commentary ©2023 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
When I think of fellow believers, I don’t always picture them as trees. Yet that is exactly what we are described as, in these verses in Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NKJV)
“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.”
It says it right there, those that trust God are blessed. We are like trees, near water, with our roots spread out, giving us the confidence and belief, we will be able to get through any circumstances, with God.
First, I appreciate the only action on our part to be blessed is, trust in God. That one action seems like a simple task and the rewards are immeasurable. Second, I really like the analogy of the trees. When we see a tall tree, we typically think of strength and longevity. The root system, unseen, underground spreads out for nutrients as well as steadfastness.
The reason I titled this entry as a “group of believers” is to coincide with the image. But there’s more to it. If one tree stands alone, the roots can still be strong and the tree will survive through most situations, however, if a group of trees are around each other, the root systems and the proximity to each other, benefit all of them.
Believers, grouped together, will be a far better match for any drought, windstorm, or whatever each of us faces separately. Through the act of trusting God, we are blessed and strong, and we are able to support one another, no matter what we face.