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Deep Roots

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Many of us often wonder how we can be blessed and lead successful lives on this earth. Yesterday, I came across the above verses in my daily reading and the imagery stayed in my mind. We often read that those who trust and hope IN the LORD are blessed, but as I reread verse 7, I realized it says ‘blessed is the man… whose hope IS the LORD.’ How wonderful! The hope of the believer IS the LORD who upholds all things and is eternal.

The beautiful picture of a green, lush tree by waters portrays the believer who is firmly rooted in the Source of his faith. The depth of the roots of a tree depends on the quality of the soil. Are we planted in rich, life-producing soil or dry, compacted soil which produces shallow roots?



If we are feeding on God’s Word and have a fertile heart, our roots will run deep to the waters. Paul urged the Colossian believers:

Let your roots grow down into him (Christ), and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7 (NLT)


Only a deep-rooted tree can withstand heat and drought and continue to produce fruit. May we drink deeply of the Water of Life and produce Spirit-filled fruit for the glory of the Lord!


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