Where Are You Planted?
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NASB
Your life is greatly affected by the location of your root system. One thing that I have learned is to evaluate where I put my roots and what has influence on my life.
Who has influence in your life? Are they giving you life or are they draining the life out of you? A person has to judge where they put their roots in order to keep growing in the Kingdom of God. Just like a real tree, it only takes one of your roots getting in a poison stream. Before long, the whole tree begins to wither and die.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 instructs us to put our root system in God and his living water. Then it says Do Not Fear when the heat comes, because when you are rooted in God and fed and watered by Him when the heat comes you will be able to not only live, but you will live abundantly. I know this because he says that your leaves will be green, but not only that, you will also yield fruit.
The most important meaning to this story is when the heat comes, you will be able to yield fruit. You will sustain life for others. A tree that is dry yields no fruit and so that tree cannot multiply. However, a healthy tree bears a lot of fruit and so that tree gives life and grows the Kingdom God.
I ask that you closely examine your life. Examine your relationships with your friends, examine your hobbies, and what is consuming the majority of your time because that is where your roots are.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father thank you for being my source of Life. Lord I pray that you guide me in everything I do. I know that when I trust in you all things work for my good. Not only am I able to live when the heat comes but I am able to yield fruit and help others and grow your Kingdom. I am so excited for what you are doing in my life, you are molding me into who you have designed me to be and that is a warrior for You, and a helping hand to whoever needs it. I lay everything aside and surrender myself to your work. Draw people to me so I can tell them about your Son Jesus Christ and your living water. Amen
Pastor Benaiah Snider