Read JEREMIAH 17:7–10
A forest of quaking aspens in Utah is known by the name Pando, meaning, “I spread.” It’s also called “the Trembling Giant.” This is because all the trees in this 106-acre forest are genetically identical and are believed to have a single, combined root system. In essence, this forest is a single tree with 40,000 trunks, each of which appears to be a separate tree from an aboveground perspective
Being firmly rooted is a spiritual necessity. In light of yesterday’s devotional, how can we put down roots that are not deceived by wealth or stressed out by worry over temporal needs? How can we cultivate roots that will help the Word grow and bear fruit in our lives? We want to be “rooted and built up” in Christ (Col. 2:6–7)!
Today’s reading pictures such a person as a “tree planted by the water” (v. 8). The roots take in the life-giving water, and therefore the tree remains green and fruitful even in extreme heat or drought conditions (cf. Ps. 1:3). This person is indeed “blessed,” meaning happy or content.
One key to rootedness is faith. The person who is like this green, well- rooted tree is “one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him” (v. 7). The sins of worry and anxiety fall short in precisely this area. Worry takes over when we do not truly believe that God can or will provide. That sort of person, one who turns away from God to trust in “mere flesh,” is “like a bush in the wastelands” (vv. 5–6).
Another key to rootedness is the heart. Unfortunately, our hearts are “deceitful” and “beyond cure” by any human means (v. 9). Only God, who made our hearts, can comprehend and heal them. Only He can plant us by streams of water and make us fruitful.
APPLY THE WORD
John 15:1–17 is an excellent related passage to read and meditate on today. Just as the fruitful tree is positioned near the stream, so also must we as branches “abide” or “remain” in Jesus Christ the Vine. These words indicate a close relationship in which we’re dependent on Him. As He taught: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
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