Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.” vss. 7-8a
Jeremiah 17:7-10
To emphasize the importance of trusting in the Lord Jeremiah used an amazing metaphor that is as apt for us as it was for his original hearers. He says that those whose trust is in the Lord are like trees planted by water, sending out their roots by the stream. He goes on to say that such trees will thrive and bear fruit even when there is no rain or in a time of drought. What a beautiful image! It explains the phenomenon we see regularly in our congregations. All of us know people whose trust in the Lord is beyond question–it’s a part of who they are. And that trust is totally unconditional–it does not depend on the externals of their lives. They endure sickness, financial reverses, family crises, any number of soul-numbing events, but because their roots are deep, and their trust is in the Lord, they continue to produce the fruits of love, joy, peace, and patience. Through their faith they have tapped into the Divine Presence which pervades all of creation and which does not ever fail them, no matter what their external circumstances. Quite obviously they are blessed in their trust, but more than that, their fruits are a blessing to us all.
Thought for the Day: Where are my roots planted?
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