Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose trust the LORD is. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which by the waterside shall cast down its roots, and shall not see when heat comes, but its leaf shall be green; and in the year of drought it shall not be weary, neither shall it cease to bear fruit.”
In the Bible, nature, and especially trees, are used to teach us deep spiritual truths. A forest is a place of life, connection and strength. In the same way, God compares us to trees planted in His spiritual forest, called to take deep root, withstand the winds of life and bear abundant fruit.
Today we will look at three characteristics of a tree in God’s forest: deep roots, strength in the face of trials, and fruitfulness for His glory.
I. Taking Deep Roots in God
Psalm 1:2-3
“But in the law of the LORD is his delight, and in his law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, and its leaf shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.”
To grow and stand firm, trees need deep roots. So too, we must:
Be rooted in the Word:
Like the psalmist, we must meditate on God’s Word daily.
Seek living water:
John 7:38 reminds us that whoever believes in Jesus will have rivers of living water flowing within.
Trust in God:
Jeremiah 17:7-8 assures us that those who trust in the Lord will never be moved.
Without deep roots in God, we will be vulnerable to the storms of life.
II. Resisting Trials and Storms
Matthew 7:24-25
“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house; and it did not fall, because it was founded on the rock.”
A tree in the forest faces storms, drought and adversity, but if it is well rooted, it stands firm. So do we:
We endure trials by faith:
James 1:2-4 says that trials produce patience and perfection.
We are strengthened in the Holy Spirit:
Ephesians 6:10 calls us to strengthen ourselves in the Lord and in the power of His might.
We keep ourselves united to the body of Christ:
Hebrews 10:25 exhorts us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, for in community we find support.
God gives us the strength to resist any adversity if we are planted in Him.
III. Bearing Fruit in His Time
John 15:5
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
A tree does not exist only for itself; it is designed to bear fruit. In God’s forest, we are also called to:
Produce the fruit of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Being a blessing to others:
Proverbs 11:30 says that the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.
Multiply disciples:
Matthew 28:19-20 calls us to make disciples, bearing eternal fruit.
A fruitful tree in God’s forest glorifies the Creator and blesses others.
Practical Application
A). Deepen your roots:
Spend time daily in prayer, the Word and communion with God.
B). Trust in the midst of storms:
Remember that God is with you, strengthening and guiding you through every trial.
C). Bear fruit:
Look for practical ways to serve others, reflecting the love of Christ and sharing His message.
Conclusión
God calls us to be like trees planted in His forest, firm, full of life and fruitful for His glory. If we remain rooted in Him, nothing can move us, and we will witness His wonderful work in our lives.
Final Call:
Are you ready to be a tree in God’s forest? If you feel your roots are not deep or you lack the strength to face trials, today is the day to surrender completely to Him.
Prayer:
“Lord, make me like a tree in Your forest. Help me to take deep root in Your Word, to withstand trials with faith and bear fruit for Your glory. I trust that You are the One who sustains and guides me. Amen.”
