Roots' Path

"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when the heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit" (Jer 17:7,8). If a tree could plant itself, a wise one would choose near an unending water source. But although located in the correct place, the direction the tree sends out roots decides the success of growth, usefulness, and whether it will withstand the day's heat or lack of rainfall. A tree that chooses to drink from the river will flourish and continually yield fruit that feeds the hungry.

Believers, planted in Christ Jesus by God's grace, decide which direction to send roots for sustenance. Those who wisely seek to draw from God's spring of life-giving water will withstand life's heated trials and difficult circumstances that fall their way. Placing their hope in the One who saved them, believers happily trust the Lord for guidance and nourishment. They will grow, prosper, and God will bless others with the fruit their lives produce.