by Debra Neybert, Heartbeat International Training Specialist

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither -- whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3).  

My heart was encouraged as I read and thought about the verses above.  As this year unfolds, the world faces many uncertainties and trying times, but those of us who are rooted and grounded in Christ need not worry or fear. In fact, we will be increasing in His goodness!

In the verses above, we are given specific direction so that we may prosper even when it would seem very difficult. The Lord does not want the circumstances that surround us to affect or hinder our success or our perception of His goodness. He wants us to experience prosperity and fruitfulness in the midst of drought. Prosperity comes in many ways, it’s not always financial.  It may come as a God-given insight, a creative idea, or wisdom that will eventually bring great abundance to us personally and corporately. As we remain in Him, according to John 15, we will bear much fruit! 

The root system of a tree is created to seek out water: it “sends out its roots by the stream.” The word sends out also means to shoot forth, to stretch out, extend, and direct.  The Lord will take the difficulties, disappointments, grief, and illness in our lives and if we let Him, He will cause our “root system” to stretch, extend, and go deeper in Him. When we are in Christ, we are connected to the source of all living water! 

Do you see yourself drinking from this living water?  In Christ, you are planted by the life giving water.  Isaiah 61:3 says, “So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”

A tree so planted will not fear when heat comes, it will not experience damage from the blazing heats of summer, its leaf remains green, and it will yield fruit in season.  We become like Him, continually bearing fruit so that others may find sustenance and refreshment in time of need.  Remember, His resources are Eternal and they never run dry!