Planted by Water

They shall be like a tree planted by water,
   sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
   and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
   and it does not cease to bear fruit.

                                            ~ Jeremiah 17.8 

Oh my!  Another scorcher today!  Today the weatherman is saying we will reach as high as 95° F with a heat index of 105° F!  Summer is definitely in full swing and we tend to plan our days around the worst of the heat.  Most of us are planning to stay in the air-conditioning at the worst part of the day and only traipse outside to do what we must and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.  There are those, though that do not have the luxury of air-conditioning; the homeless, the traveler whose vehicle’s air-conditioning has malfunctioned, the poor that cannot afford the electricity to run their air or even possess an air-conditioner.  Shelters for heat like this are sometimes available, but even then, not everyone that needs this relief is able to access it. 

Our spiritual lives can be compared to surviving hot days such as these.  Those that do not make time to spend with God on a daily basis through prayer, reading His Word and meditating on its meaning are like the un-watered plants in the extreme heat.  They are more likely to wilt under the pressures of life and unwanted circumstances than someone that has partaken of the daily relationship with God and “drunk in” His Word.  Those who make the time to delve into God’s Word daily to “drink” from it the knowledge and life that He has supplied through this heavenly gift are better able to withstand the heat of difficult times and circumstances that come their way.  They are like the trees planted by water - more able to gain the strength needed to withstand the extreme “heat” of life from daily Biblical nourishment and prayer to survive the turbulent times in their lives.  They are able to not only survive severe circumstances, but also continue to do God’s will and do not fear their situations, for they know that God is not only with them, but will continue to give them the strength they need.  

Have you planted yourself by the “water of God’s Word?”  If not, “pull up your roots” and “replant yourself” where you will be most able to survive all that life may bring your way.  By doing so, may you feel the life-giving water of God flowing through you – returning your strength to do His will and to survive all that life throws your way. 

Prayer 

Heavenly Father,

Life is full of unwanted circumstances and stresses beyond our control, yet, by the power of Your Word and by constantly being in communication with You through prayer, You “water” our lives with the life-giving strength to carry on in every situation that comes before us.  We thank You for Your steadfast love and constant supervision as You nourish us through Your Word and guide us through this life You have given us.  Amen.

~ Wendy Miller