“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
~ Jeremiah 17:7–8
Jeremiah paints a sharp contrast earlier in this chapter between the one who trusts in man (like a shrub in the desert, dry and barren) and the one who trusts in the Lord (like a flourishing tree by water).
Notice the blessings of trust in God:
Deep roots in living water. The tree is not dependent on rainfall or circumstances because it has a constant, hidden supply. Likewise, those who trust in God draw life from Him, not from shifting world conditions.
Fearless in heat. When pressure and hardship (“heat”) come, this tree doesn’t wither. Trust in the Lord gives stability even when trials intensify.
Peaceful in drought. When the world runs dry, this tree remains green. Trust replaces anxiety with calm assurance.
Fruitful in every season. The tree doesn’t just survive in off seasons. It thrives, continually bearing fruit, blessing others even in scarcity.
Applied to biblical health, this image is profound. Our world feels like it’s in a “year of drought” with shortages, sickness, and instability. But those who trust in the Lord are not withering. Their leaves remain green. Their fruit does not stop. Why? Because their roots are sunk deep into the living water of God’s Spirit (John 7:38).
Thriving doesn’t mean we never feel the “heat” of trials, it just means we have a source deeper than circumstances. Like a tree beside a stream, we flourish because of where we are rooted.
So if the world feels dry, don’t panic. Sink your roots deeper into God. His supply never runs dry. Trust Him, and you will not just endure the drought. You will thrive and bear fruit in it.
Prayer: Lord, plant me like a tree beside Your living water. Teach me to trust You so deeply that when heat comes or drought surrounds me, I will not fear or grow anxious. Keep me fruitful in every season, thriving by Your Spirit and blessing others with Your life. Amen.
