I have
a friend who lives on a ranch in the wide-open spaces of Montana. The road to
his home is a long trail that winds through the parched and barren landscape of
the wilderness. As you drive toward his home, you can’t help but notice the
contrasting strip of green trees and vibrant vegetation meandering through the
ranch. One of the finest trout rivers in North America cuts through the
property, and anything that grows near its banks gets the benefit of an
unending source of vital water.
This
is the picture Jeremiah paints when he says that those who trust in the Lord
are “like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the
river” (Jer. 17:8). Many may choose the wilting heat and choking drought of
life apart from God, but those who trust in God will be vibrant and fruitful.
Depending on Him is like putting our roots into the refreshing water of His
goodness. We are strengthened with the confidence that His steadfast love for
us will never fail.
God will ultimately make all things right. Trusting that He will turn our pain to gain and use suffering to mature us empowers us to become fruit-bearers in a dry and thirsty land.
