ROOTED

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers,” Psalm 1:3 ESV. A trip to East Texas a few years ago was both shocking and sad. As I looked out the window of the commuter plane, in place of the hilly, summer green vistas I normally saw, drought and an unrelenting heatwave were killing tens of thousands of trees. As we flew over, I noticed that around a large lake the trees stood tall and green, even those growing a relatively long distance from the shoreline; their roots provided salvation. The biblical promise to all who delight in God’s Word came to mind: “He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water.” Often our human condition in this world seems barren and hellish around us, but we can flourish if rooted in Him. Father, You lead me beside still waters, Your Word nourishes my soul, Your Spirit continually pours forth life and peace.