But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. – Jeremiah 17:7-8
Imagine an arid and lifeless desert, with ripples of heat rising from the sunbaked sand. Everything is dry and parched. Yet in the distance, a single tree stands in full bloom—its green leaves and vibrant fruit glistening in the sunlight. A surprising image in such harsh conditions. What is its secret?
The Tree Planted by a Stream
This tree does not survive because of the desert—it thrives in spite of it. The difference is its roots. Hidden beneath the surface, they reach a constant and life-giving source: a stream of water. While everything around it is barren, the tree remains fruitful and alive.
It doesn’t fear the heat. It doesn’t worry about the drought. Because it is planted by the stream, it continually draws what it needs. It not only survives—it flourishes.
Jeremiah’s Illustration of Faith
The prophet Jeremiah used this picture to describe what it means to trust in the Lord. Just as the tree doesn’t rely on itself but on the water, our faith removes the need for fear. The tree has no power to change its surroundings, but its connection to the stream ensures its health, strength, and growth.
Trust and Humility Go Hand in Hand
In the same way, we are called to rely on God. Trust begins when we stop depending on our own strength and admit we cannot face life’s heat and drought alone. Left to ourselves, we wither. Our confidence must be rooted in something deeper than circumstances.
When we place our trust in the Lord, we are connected to His endless supply. He provides not only the water but also the place by the stream. No matter how difficult the situation may be—no matter how hot, dry, or overwhelming—we are sustained by His constant care and protection.
Rooted in God’s Faithfulness
God doesn’t promise to remove every hardship, but He does promise to sustain us through them. The one who trusts in the Lord, who places full confidence in Him, is like that tree—steady, strong, and always nourished.
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.