Like a Tree,

I took this photo of a tree at my son and daughter-in-law’s property near Gilgandra.

That tree, which is immense, must have found a very reliable source of water in order to keep itself in such good condition and be able to remain “green and growing” and not be troubled at all during the severe drought that is crippling the district at present. Now how did it do that? After all, the paddocks are so dry that the sheep have been hand fed for years. Well Psalm No 1, in the bible has the answer, it says that a “tree planted by a river of water shall bring forth fruit in its season and its leaves shall not wither and it shall prosper”.  The reason for that result is that it sends its roots down through the river bank to where there is water and consequently it is immune to the circumstances surrounding it and droughts and hot winds cannot stop it from prospering. I photographed this particular tree because it is growing beside a sandy bottomed creek and as there is

moisture underneath the sand it has sent its roots down to claim that water. To prove this point I took this next photo as some of the creek bank has been washed away and those roots have become exposed so you can plainly see that it is not dependent on surface moisture that is erratic, but relies on a dependable supply that is below the sand.   

You will notice that the tree on the right of the photo has died and I guess that was because it wasn’t near the creek; and the pine trees on the left don’t look that happy either. So you see, that Psalm writer who wrote those words about three thousand years ago, knew all about droughts and how a tree can cope with them, and this also shows us that droughts are not something new and are to be expected in many parts of the world, as are all sorts of other problems.

The interesting thing is that the Psalmist wasn’t really talking about trees: he was just using them as an illustration to show you and me, and all the other people who have lived, (and those who will come after us), that we can be just as prosperous in the difficult situations we may find ourselves in, as a tree is when it is planted beside a river or a creek, if we know where to look for help.

His actual words say that if we don’t follow the advice of ungodly people and don’t get involved with sin, and don’t be scornful about God, but instead “delight ourselves in the law of the Lord” and constantly think about His directions, we too will be like that tree and “everything we do shall prosper.” Jesus confirmed this when He died and rose again to reinstate us as “Children of God and Joint heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:17), which is what happens to us when we repent (which means change our direction), and believe on the Lord Jesus, asking for his forgiveness for past sin. Then, like a tree that sends its roots down to draw on the life giving moisture in the river or creek, we can also draw on God’s “living water” as Jesus said in John 4:10-15. When we do that, Ephesians 3:17&19 says “That Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith; that we, being rooted and grounded in love…… know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that we might be filled with all the fullness of God,” thus His love and guidance is available in whatever circumstance we find ourselves, as we draw on it and stop worrying, because “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge of Christ.” (Philippians 4:7). Now that is a long way better than battling on our own like a tree away from the river or creek! And then there is also our assurance of Eternal Life. I ask you, what could be better? If we haven’t already done so, (and pride is keeping us away from all that), then don’t you think that for Heaven’s sake, (as well as a better life right now), and in appreciation of God’s Kindness, we should “pocket our pride”, and join the winning team?          best wishes, Tom.