I Want to be a Tree---Part One

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 heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 27:8

The comfort that attends the doing of this duty. He that does so shall be as a tree planted by the waters, a choice tree, about which great care has been taken to set it in the best soil, so far from being like the heath (bush) in the wilderness; he shall be like a tree that spreads out its roots, and thereby is firmly fixed, spreads them out by the rivers, whence it draws abundance of sap, which denotes both the establishment and the comfort which those have--who make God their hope.

They are easy, they are pleasant, and enjoy a continual security and serenity of mind. A tree thus planted, thus watered, shall not see when heat comes, shall not sustain any damage from the most scorching heats of summer; it is so well moistened from its roots that it shall be sufficiently guarded against drought.
(Matthew Henry)

Growing up in Ohio, we had a lot of hardwoods in the yard. I remember laying in bed and looking out my window at the trees. I loved the way the tops of the trees seem to stretch toward the sun; and at times I would pretend I lived at the top--away from things on earth. Trees are only as resilient as their root system. Placing our hope in Christ and drawing our strength only from Him allows our Christian roots to take hold and grow strong. A tree planted--Salvation, thus watered--spending our time with God from His word, His church, our obedience, and prayer.

When droughts come in our life; we can draw from Christ's grace which lives within us. We don't have to depend on external things of the world; our strength comes from our roots--which is Christ.

Looking Glass: I had a personal day yesterday and spent the day with my daughter. She wasn't feeling well, so it was nice to be able to take care of her for a change. School is winding down and I'm looking forward to the summer!