But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8.
An arborist, or dendrologist, is a specialist in the study and care of trees (and other woody plants). They help us identify issues that need to be addressed in caring for trees and are often necessary when dealing with complex or critical issues involving trees and shrubs. It doesn’t take a specialist, however, to know that trees require water to grow and that healthy roots are required for healthy trees. The tree provides a great analogy for the Christian faith as noted in today’s passage. To be blessed is to be like a tree planted along a river bank. It has a constant source of water; the substance of life and well-being. A well-watered tree is not threatened by heat or drought and consistently produces fruit at the proper time. The roots are responsible for a stable and healthy tree, keeping it anchored and steady.
For the believer, our trust in the Lord serves like a tree’s roots. The greater our trust and confidence in Him, the more stable we are and the more secured our source of refuge from the droughts and heat of life. We are surely blessed when we trust in Him and make Him our hope and confidence.
Personal reflection: Just as roots grow deeper over time, our trust in the Lord grows deeper. Have you placed your hope and confidence in Him? How will you do that today?