Trees along a riverbank
Last weekend we were blessed to be able to spend time at a church camp at The Steps near Barrington, N.S.W. The Barrington River flows through this beautiful area over many sets of rapids. We were reminded of some of the spiritual lessons we can take from thinking about a river.
In Jeremiah 17 verses 5-8, Jeremiah records the actual words of God in comparing two types of people.
He says that those who just put their trust in man, are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future.
But those who trust in the Lord, are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. These trees are not bothered by heat or drought; their leaves stay green and they continually produce fruit.
If we place our hope and confidence in God we can endure the pressures and stresses; He will bear us through the rough and the hard times, so that no matter what happens we can still ‘bear fruit’.
And what is the fruit we should be bearing?
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22,23)
May you be like a tree on a riverbank.